Nobody thought much of anything when the Chicago Bears selected DeAndre Houston-Carson in the 6th round of the 2016 draft. They saw an interesting young talent out of a smaller school that might end up making a solid backup and special teamer. They were proven correct. He has been both of those things over the past six seasons. A steady presence on the depth chart.
Yet the question has always lingered. No doubt in his mind anyway. Is he capable of doing more? It hasn’t been easy finding an answer. The Bears have always seemed to have somebody else filling the starting job since he arrived. Adrian Amos, then Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and now Tashaun Gipson. Coaches have seemed reluctant to give Houston-Carson an opportunity. Perhaps because it’s hard to see him as anything other than what he is.
Then the football gods intervened.
This 2021 season has been a difficult one for the Bears safeties. Both of their starters in Gipson and Eddie Jackson have endured injuries. Primary backup Deon Bush has one of his own as well. This has permitted Houston-Carson to play the most defensive snaps of his career. Truth be told? He has performed well above expectations. In fact one could make a strong argument he’s been their best safety this season.
Quarterbacks have targeted him 14 times this season, completing nine passes for a touchdown, an interception, and two pass breakups. Good for a modest 80.4 passer rating. He is also credited with 33 tackles, missing only two in that span. All of this while still fulfilling his obligations on special teams. He is playing like somebody who thinks it’s his time for a shot. At 28-years old, this might be his last chance to college a big payday. The sense of urgency is clear.
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Schemed pass rush stunt — out of Dime personnel.
Run the twist/pick with the Dime back (Houston-Carson) & Khalil Mack. @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/1FozrfGamA
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) October 4, 2021
DeAndre Houston-Carson came streaking in from deep center field. What a play. pic.twitter.com/RP4bONvmBa
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) October 10, 2021
Give it up for Joel Iyirgbuniwe. He went for the football and made a potential game-changing play with the Peanut Punch. DeAndre Houston-Carson scooped and scored. pic.twitter.com/SSgzAYCMfR
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 9, 2021
DeAndre Houston-Carson has earned more looks
While the Bears may feel they have obligations to play Gipson if he’s healthy, the reality is they don’t. The veteran is in his 30s now. He isn’t part of their future. Houston-Carson is younger with far less wear and tear on his body. There is a chance he might be able to offer more long-term possibilities on the back end. With the team 3-6 and the defense struggling anyway, what could it hurt to give him an extended opportunity?
If nothing else, this is a great story. A late round pick battling for a roster spot every year, steadily getting better, and becoming a mainstay through relentless hard work. Now DeAndre Houston-Carson is flashing even more potential. Could this be another feather in the cap of GM Ryan Pace? His ability to nab possible starters in the later rounds is well-documented. It would be quite fitting for one to emerge over half a decade after being selected.
This was a story that needed more attention.
Yes, Justin Fields is the focus. That is easy to understand. Still, guys like Houston-Carson rarely get a shot at the limelight even when they’re playing well enough to warrant it. In a season that is becoming more and more about the future, the Bears might want to give their homegrown talent a long-overdue opportunity.
