O-line stays intact -- unfortunately

I don't agree with Lovie's decision to keep the ineffective offensive line intact for another week. And I don't buy the argument that 6-foot-2, 310-pound Josh Beekman is too small to be effective, especially when Frank Omiyale is considered to have superior size at 6-4 and 315.

The Denver Broncos have one of the most effective offensive lines year after year, and they also have one of the smallest offensive lines every year. Last year they were No. 1 in sack percentage allowed and No. 2 in total yards. Jay Cutler threw 616 passes for the Broncos, the second most in the league, and he was sacked just 12 times.

That being said, the offensive line should have no problem Sunday against a Bengals defensive line that has been ravaged by injuries. DE Antwan Odom, who is second in the league with 8 sacks and has half of Cincinnati’s team total, is on injured reserve after suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon last week.

Starting DT Domata Peko has not practiced all week because of a knee injury and is not expected to play. Former Bear Tank Johnson, a DT starter when healthy, has missed two games and been limited in another because of a foot injury. He did not practice Thursday, and neither did starting DRE Jonathan Fanene, because of illness.

The Bears should have a huge edge in the trenches. If they can’t control the line of scrimmage Sunday against a weakened opponent, maybe then they’ll consider some changes. But, if they can dominate the Bengals, maybe it will provide a spark or some momentum.