While much of the focus on the Chicago Bears offensive struggles through the first four games is their offensive line, more attention should be paid to the tight ends. While their blocking has been fine thus far, the position hasn’t contributed nearly enough in the passing game. Thus far the group has managed just nine catches for 70 yards and no touchdowns. Not ideal given the investments made in Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham.
Head coach Matt Nagy admits the team must try to get them more involved. Could Sunday in Las Vegas be the time to do it? Based on the data available, that is a big yes. The Raiders defense has proven rather vulnerable to tight ends so far this season. Mike Gesicki had 10 catches for 86 yards two weeks ago for Miami. Then Jared Cook took his turn last week for the Chargers with seven catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Part of the problem? Their linebackers.
The Raiders linebacking group is big on toughness and instincts. However, they aren’t exactly gifted when it comes to range and coverage skills.
- Corey Littleton – 94.4 passer rating allowed
- Denzel Perryman – 107.5 passer rating allowed
- Nick Kwiatkoski – 118.8 passer rating allowed
Teams have been able to pick on them so far this season. Now with their secondary down multiple cornerbacks due to injuries? This problem could be exacerbated even further. With Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney needing so much attention, the tight ends should see multiple opportunities matched up against the Raiders linebackers. If Kmet and Graham can’t take advantage. Then it’s time to start asking the tough questions.
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Chargers are feelin' it early ⚡️
Jared Cook Any Time TD: +250
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— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) October 5, 2021
Changes could be coming if Chicago Bears tight ends don’t produce
It’s already expected that Graham will be gone in 2022. The big question is whether the team can gear their future plans around Kmet. There is a reason they invested a 2nd round pick in him. They believe in his potential as a two-way guy. A big, athletic target who can double as a blocker. While the blocking part is improving, he hasn’t taken the next step as a receiver. If anything it seems like he regressed. Something just isn’t clicking.
Is it a lack of opportunities or the simple fact he doesn’t have the explosiveness necessary to be a true threat? Depends on who you ask. Kmet is still really young. He came into the NFL rawer than people cared to admit. A byproduct of splitting his time between football and baseball in college. Perhaps he hasn’t quite mastered the intricacies of his position yet. Maybe he merely needs that breakout game to gain some confidence.
If any team presents that opportunity, it’s the Raiders.
The Chicago Bears must work to get those tight ends involved early. Justin Fields hasn’t used them much thus far. Preferring instead to attack down the field. Something that isn’t the strength of this group. One can expect Las Vegas to take that away with their zone defense. So the short-to-intermediate areas should be open. That is where the tight ends usually thrive.