Justin Fields has been the best player for the Chicago Bears this year. Nobody would dispute that after watching him for the past two months. Seeing this team fall to 3-10 has made it tough to pinpoint anybody else as standouts in a good way. It forces one to look closer. This is how I came across what has easily become the most overlooked name on the team. Being labeled as a backup always caused fans to ignore how good DeAndre Houston-Carson has been for this team. So it’s time to show some appreciation.
The former 6th round pick is in the midst of his best all-around year in the NFL. He has nine special teams tackles on the season, leading the team. If that weren’t enough, his past three games have reinforced his value. He had a forced fumble against the Atlanta Falcons, then 14 combined tackles and two tackles for a loss against the Jets and Packers in back-to-back weeks. What makes it even more impressive is he did this at two different positions. First was as a strong safety replacing Jaquan Brisker, and then as a free safety replacing Eddie Jackson.
Don’t let anybody fool you. That isn’t easy to do. It speaks to his intelligence, preparation, and versatility.
The Chicago Bears did well picking him.
He may not have had the same career Jackson did, but nobody can say Houston-Carson is a failed pick. Getting a standout special teams player and excellent backup with a 6th round pick is a win in any team’s book. This is another Sherrick McManis situation. He was never in the spotlight, but the former Bears cornerback always seemed to pop up when the team needed a nice play on special teams. Then he’d flash out of nowhere on defense when a starter went down. Guys like that are invaluable.
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His presence should be valued more than ever as Jackson begins rehabbing his foot injury. A combination of Houston-Carson and Brisker should be serviceable for the rest of the season. If nothing else, the veteran has proven he deserves to return again in 2023. Maybe the Chicago Bears can do him a solid with a multi-year extension. He’s earned a little long-term stability. This may depend on what GM Ryan Poles may have planned going into the draft.
Definitely a DHC fan. Guy is a true professional and very trustworthy. When talking heads talk about quality depth this is the kind of player every team strives to find.
Yup. I hope Poles and Flus keep DHS. Anytime a starting safety goes down I never feel the same sense of panic like I do other positions simply because of him.
He may not be starting caliber but that is only by a very small amount.
His value as a backup and special teamer is too high to let go.
It’s a team sport and players like this create a winning culture. Some talk the talk; the winners walk the walk.
I’ve always liked DHC. Ever since I saw him play in college for William and Mary when he played my team UVA. While his team lost big, he was all over the field on defense. He not only belonged on the field with the big boys but he excelled on the field with the big boys. The problem with William and Mary was they didn’t have 10 other DHCs.
DHC is the kind of player Flus and Poles covet. He’ll be back.