The Chicago Bears offense was once again rendered largely inept for the second time in eight months. Between their losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, they’ve managed just 18 points score with a mere one touchdown. Plenty of blame is being leveled at quarterback Mitch Trubisky for this. Granted, he wasn’t good against Green Bay and mismanaged the first half against Philly, but there is a more significant problem elsewhere on offense.
The Bears simply aren’t good enough at tight end.
At the start of 2018, there were so many high hopes for that group. Free agent Trey Burton was a versatile weapon signed in free agency. Former 2nd round pick Adam Shaheen was going into an offense under Matt Nagy that may finally unlock his vast athletic potential. Fast forward to now? It’s all one giant ball of disappointment. Burton continues to suffer from groin problems that began before the Eagles game. Shaheen? He was practically invisible in the two most recent games, making a combined four catches for 19 yards.
The Bears have tried to stay patient with both men but every team has a limit. There isn’t much they can do for the time being. One thing is for sure though. Big changes are likely coming next spring.
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Chicago Bears offense clearly still an unfinished product
People are probably frustrated that the Bears offense isn’t where it should be. This is the same system that has done so well in Kansas City and Philadelphia. Why isn’t it work here? There are a number of factors to help explain that. A big one though is the inescapable discrepancy at tight end. Kansas City has Travis Kelce. Philadelphia has Zach Ertz. Both are Pro Bowler and do so much to open things up for the rest of their teammates.
It’s not a coincidence that the Bears offense was at its peak in games that Burton managed to play well. His two best performances came against Tampa Bay and New England where he combined for 212 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears ended up scoring a combined 79 points in those contests. This system is just different when they get good production from the tight ends. That is why changes could be coming.
There isn’t much GM Ryan Pace can do about Burton. His contract makes it unlikely he can be cut anytime soon. Shaheen? That’s a different story. The Bears would gain just over $1.2 million in cap space by cutting the former 2nd round pick. Free agency will feature some interesting names like Eric Ebron, Hunter Henry, and Austin Hooper. They’ll also have two 2nd round picks in the upcoming draft.
It’s hard to envision them not making at least one significant move at that position at the next available opportunity.
