The NFL trade deadline came and went, and the Bears still have the same offensive line they started the day with, which is no surprise.

There were rumors and plenty of hope from Bears fans that GM Jerry Angelo might try to trade for Patriots OG Logan Mankins, but there was no swap. The cost would have been great, since New England was said to be asking for a high draft pick, probably a first-rounder, and Mankins still is looking for a long-term contract, which is why he's sitting out the first half of the season, choosing not to sign his one-year tender from the Patriots.

The Bears won't have a chance to make personnel upgrades to the offensive line until the offseason. Draft analysts say there is a solid crop of offensive tackles in next year's draft, and there could be a spot for one in Chicago if the Bears keep Chris Williams, a first-round pick in 2008, at left guard, although OLT Frank Omiyale and ORT J'Marcus Webb are both under contract with the team for next season. Chicago could very well spend first- and second-round picks or second- and third-round picks on offensive linemen in the draft. Either way, it's a safe bet that the position will be addressed early.

No one has to like Chicago's current offensive linemen. A lot of people don't. Jay Cutler may be close to joining that group, if he's not already there. But the Bears did win four games with them, and they are going to win at least a few more before the season is over ... I think.