It’s Time We Talk Seriously About Darnell Wright
It’s not just another casual football discussion — Darnell Wright’s performance this season deserves a spotlight. For a while now, I’ve thought Wright was a strong, dependable offensive tackle in the NFL. Sure, he’s had moments that made fans groan — a few penalties here, a slow start there — but his overall consistency has made him one of the bright spots on the offensive line.
But here’s where things get really interesting: this year, under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Wright hasn’t just improved — he’s exploded into one of the league’s elite tackles. Don’t take my word for it; the data and the film back it up. According to PFF’s tackle rankings, Wright’s numbers are staggering:
- Overall Offensive Grade: 82.0 (6th)
- Run Blocking Grade: 87.3 (2nd)
- Pass Blocking Grade: 74.6 (18th)
That second-place run-blocking grade? He trails only Penei Sewell — someone Ben Johnson knows quite well from their time together in Detroit. That’s some impressive company.
Now, what’s fascinating is how this improvement has transformed the Bears’ run game. Before the bye week, their rushing attack was among the league’s least reliable. Since then? It’s become one of the most efficient. Credit where it’s due — Ben Johnson and his staff clearly took a deep look during that break and made some sharp adjustments. But what exactly changed?
When analyzing film clips shared on X (formerly Twitter), something stood out: nearly every successful run seemed to go right — literally. In Kyle Monangai’s breakout performance against Cincinnati, 19 of his 26 carries were designed runs to the right side — directly behind Darnell Wright. Coincidence? Probably not.
Now, let’s be clear — this isn’t the only reason for the turnaround. The entire offensive line has stepped up. Theo Benedet has proven to be a stronger run blocker than Braxton Jones, and the interior trio looks better than at any point last season. Joe Thuney, for instance, is playing at an All-Pro level again. But sometimes, the best strategy is also the simplest one: if you’ve got a bulldozer like Wright on the line, you use him. Running behind your best blocker isn’t flashy — it’s smart football.
And speaking of flashy…
No conversation about Darnell Wright is complete without mentioning his viral moment from Sunday’s win — the one where he buried Shemar Stewart. Usually, I’d break down the technique and mechanics behind a highlight play, but honestly? This one speaks for itself.
It was 4th and 1 late in the first quarter. Everyone in the stadium knew a power run was coming. Wright explodes off the line with flawless footwork, stays low, and locks his hands into Stewart’s chest — then drives him into the dirt. The difference between where Stewart started and where he ended up? Let’s just say Wright nearly planted him past Theo Benedet’s alignment.
That level of ferocity hasn’t been seen on the Bears’ line since the days of Kyle Long. Even so, credit also goes to Rome Odunze, who helped clear out the safety — Wright got the viral clip, but Odunze’s block made the first down automatic.
In short, Wright’s physical dominance and improved discipline are reshaping the Bears’ offense in real time. And here’s the question that might stir some debate — has Darnell Wright already surpassed expectations enough to be considered one of the league’s top five tackles? Or are we overhyping a hot streak?
Drop your thoughts below — are we witnessing the rise of the next great Bears lineman, or just a well-timed system fit? Let’s hear your take.
