Cody Whitehair Has Fallen Into Juan Castillo’s Doghouse
Juan Castillo came in as the Chicago Bears offensive line coach with a plan. With over two decades of experience under his belt, this was to be expected. He’s always had a particular way of operating when it comes to getting his fronts performing as he wants. One thing that has become apparent early in training camp? He is going to put more responsibility on Cody Whitehair.
Castillo is of the belief that the center should be the leader of the offensive line. He snaps the ball. He makes the calls and adjustments. That is the one voice everybody needs to follow. Whitehair has been a good player at that spot the past few years for the Bears. However, one could argue he’s never assumed a central leadership position.
That is going to change moving forward, whether he likes it or not. How? Castillo plans to put the blame for blocking mistakes on Whitehair. It’s a way to reinforce a simple message. That line belongs to him.
“You know what’s fun is I chew him, I get on his butt about certain things and then the guys come to his defense and that’s how you build that unit, because I’m just going at Cody.”
It’s a different approach to accountability.
“He’s learning how to make all the calls and he’s learning that when somebody else makes a mistake that I’m going to go right to him,” Castillo said. “So now he takes charge of the group, that is his group and he’s the leader and he’s really doing a good job.”
Cody Whitehair is being asked to step up and is responding
In essence what Castillo is doing is simple. He’s asking Whitehair no longer settle for being good enough. It’s time for him to start being great. That means taking the reins of this group and leading the way. The talent was never in question with him. It was more about his lack of alpha mentality. Clearly the Bears know they need more of this in 2020. It has to start with him.
Some may criticize this approach, but it’s not like they can question somebody like Castillo. This guy has done it for a long time. He knows what it takes to get offensive lines to gel. If that means making Whitehair a target? So be it. If the guy can’t handle that responsibility, then the Bears will know that maybe he isn’t the guy they need at center.