The Chicago Bears suffered a tough break in their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, and right tackle Darnell Wright found himself at the center of controversy.
Darnell Wright Responds to Controversial Holding Call
Late in the game, Wright was flagged for a holding penalty that stalled what looked to be a promising drive for Chicago. After the game, Wright was asked about the call and sounded off on the call by the officials.
“It’s a simple, you tuck the jersey down, it’s a hold. If you knock the arms down it’s not. Obviously, you can see I knocked his arms down. He saw it the other way. It is what it is,” Wright explained.
His statement reflected the frustration of an offensive lineman who believed he executed the play correctly, only to see it penalized and change the tide of the game.
Offensive line play is often one of the most scrutinized and misunderstood aspects of football, with holding calls sometimes being subjective. For Wright, the call was particularly disheartening considering the overall quality of his performance against Minnesota. Despite being flagged for a false start and then for the controversial hold, Wright otherwise turned in one of his best games in a Bears uniform.
Wright’s Strong Performance Overshadows the Call
Against a tough Vikings front, Wright allowed zero pressures, recording an 86.0 pass-blocking grade and a 76.5 run-blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus.
His overall grade of 77.9 not only made him the highest-grade offensive lineman for Chicago but the top-graded Bear on offense altogether.
The holding penalty may have stolen headlines, but Wright’s overall dominance should not be overlooked. His ability to anchor the right side of the offensive line played a major role in limiting Minnesota’s defensive impact.
For a player entering his third year, Wright’s continued growth is one of the biggest positives for Chicago’s offense. His development not only helps protect Caleb Williams in the short term but also establishes long-term stability at one of the most important positions on the field.
While Bears fans rightfully feel frustrated about the timing of the penalty, Wright’s effort against Minnesota is a clear sign that he is evolving into a franchise cornerstone the team envisioned he would be when they drafted him in the first round back in 2023.
Wright himself appears focused on controlling what he can. His measured response, acknowledging the official’s explanation while standing by his technique, shows maturity and professionalism. If anything, it may even fuel his motivation to keep improving.
For the Bears, that’s exactly the kind of attitude they want from a leader in the trenches.
As the season moves forward, one controversial flag won’t define Wright’s performance. Instead, his clean pass blocking, physical run game, and growth as a reliable right tackle will stand out as one of the bright spots for Chicago.
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