The Chicago Bears had three players named to the Associated Press’ NFL All-Pro teams, including left guard Joe Thuney, safety Kevin Byard and right tackle Darnell Wright. Thuney and Byard were named to the first-team with Wright earning second-team honors.
Thuney has been named to three consecutive All-Pro teams, dating back to his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Thuney was one of three big moves along the offensive line last offseason, and he’s been an anchor on this revamped offensive line. Wright, a former top-10 pick, has quietly been one of the best young right tackles in the league. He’s always been dominant in the run game, but he’s made strides in pass protection, as well, earning his first All-Pro nod.
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Thuney and Wright have been key contributors along one of the league’s best offensive lines that allowed the third fewest sacks (24) in the NFL and the league’s third-best rushing attack (144.2 yards per game).
Byard, in the final year of his deal with Chicago, earned his third career All-Pro nod. While the Bears defense has its concerns, no one has been better at taking the ball away, totaling 33 takeaways including 23 interceptions. Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions this season, and he’s primed for a contract extension this offseason.
Thuney and Byard were also named to the Pro Bowl this season. Meanwhile, this marks the first time the Bears have had multiple offensive linemen named All-Pro since 1986 (left tackle Jimbo Covert and center Jay Hilgenberg).
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears players earn AP NFL All-Pro honors