While the Chicago Bears won their game in Week 4, the offense still needs work. One of the areas of concern is the lack of usage of the tight ends. That needs to change if they want to win more games.
After a week of tension leading up to their Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions, the Chicago Bears survived it all and came away with a huge victory. Had they lost, the fans and media would go to Halas Hall and take out the entire front office themselves.
Alas, we didn’t have to worry about that. The Bears won and smoothed some things over. Yes, there were still concerns, but a win seems to make people forget some struggles.
Make no mistake, this Chicago Bears team still has some struggles. The running game did well, and rookie quarterback Justin Fields made some big throws, but there is still a lot of work to do. For example, the offense converted just one of their eight third down attempts. For the season, they’ve converted just 28.9 percent of their third down attempts, ranking them dead last.
Another area of concern for the Bears is how they use (or don’t use to be more exact) their tight ends. Head coach Matt Nagy keeps talking about how important it is to use the tight ends, yet continued to ignore them.
The Bears have two pretty good tight ends in Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham. Kmet is a second-year player who is doing everything he can to improve. Graham is a grizzled old vet who had an impressive season last year. This season could be his swan song.
In four games this season, Kmet received just 15 targets, making 8 catches for 59 yards. Graham has 3 targets, catching one.
Those numbers are pretty ugly. When you did deeper, however, they get uglier. Of his 15 targets, Kmet received eight of them for 42 yards in the Bears’ Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Graham has just three catches on eight targets for 42 yards in the next three games combined.
The Graham situation is even worse. He has two games in which he wasn’t even targeted. What makes this hurt so much is that many people expected Chicago to cut him this offseason. The Bears would save themselves a big chunk of money by doing so. Instead, they decided to keep him. That had huge implications on the roster. Because the Bears had salary cap troubles, they had to cut All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller to free up space. That opened up a hole at the cornerback position that the team still hasn’t been able to fix.
So, to review, the Bears kept Graham and cut Fuller, thus creating a hole at cornerback. After doing that, they ignore him and he has just ONE catch? Can someone help me make sense of this?
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contracts
by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Around FPC
NFL: Key Matchups: Chiefs Vs Bills
NFL: Chicago Bears: Has Nagy Seen The Light? Probably Not
Fantasy: Goal-Line Guide Week 5
NHL: Montreal Canadiens Carey Price Entering NHL/NHL Player Assistance Program
Wrestling: WWE Must Retire The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
PODCAST: The Eye Test For Two Ep 76: Fox Sports Rules Analyst Dean Blandino Joins
The Bears’ approach to their tight ends has to change
The Bears need to get the tight ends more involved in the offense. Tight ends make the quarterback’s life a lot easier. They are big targets and create mismatches, especially in the red zone. As a reminder, that was what happened with Graham’s only catch of the season. It came in Week 1. He made a catch inside the Rams’ 10-yard line. All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who was having a big game up to that point, had no chance trying to defend that pass. Graham was just too big for him and made an easy catch.
For some reason, however, the Bears never went back to Graham or any tight end when they were deep in Rams territory.
What the Bears finally did do last week was use the tight ends, specifically Kmet, in blocking situations. Kmet made some big blocks that freed up the running backs to make big runs. That was interesting since coming out of college scouts considered Kmet more of a pass-catcher than a blocker.
Using the tight ends to help the offensive line block is great. The linemen surely appreciate that. However, they have to be involved in catching the ball as well. Kmet is an up-and-coming player and he will make big plays. Furthermore, the Bears gave up a lot to have Graham return. They didn’t give up an All-Pro cornerback so that Graham could sit on the bench.
If the tight ends are involved in the offense it creates havoc for the opposing defense. With the Bears’ speedy receivers they have to try to avoid a big play downfield. That opens things up for short and intermediate passes. The tight end can make a catch and just run over a smaller defensive back for a big gain. Also, the tight ends can surely help in converting first downs. As I mentioned, the Bears rank last on conversions on third down. Perhaps throwing a pass to the tight end helps. Kmet or Graham can bully the defensive back and make the catch, moving the chains.
Hopefully, Lazor calls more plays for the tight ends. It’s understandable that last week he concentrated more on Fields. By using the tight ends, however, Fields will definitely get better stats. Making Fields look good is the top priority for the Chicago Bears.
-
Ep 119: Senior Class Finalists Announced; John Turney Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Pro Football historian John Turney joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Pro Football historian Ken Crippen joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 119: Senior Class Finalists Announced; John Turney Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Pro Football historian John Turney joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Pro Football historian Ken Crippen joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 248: Traning Camp and Pre-Season Takeawaysby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 12:33 pm
-
Ep 247: Full Foss NFL Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 12:39 am
-
Ep 246: NFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 1:40 pm
-
Ep 245: AFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
Top 10 Quarterback/Pass Catching Duosby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Ian and John discuss Maurice Jones-Drew's list of Top 10 quarterbacks/pass […]
-
Top 5 Running Backsby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 12:42 am
Ian and John discuss FPC Chiefs Managing Editor Braden Holecek's Top 5 […]
-
Tyreek Hill vs. Davante Adams: Who Has The Better Season?by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
From Full Press NFL Weekly, Ian Glendon, Braden Holecek, and Kyle Senra […]
-
Julio Jones Signs in Tampa Bayby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ian and John discuss Julio Jones joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Learn […]
-
Aaron Rodgers Addresses Early Camp Struggles for WRsby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Ian and John discuss some bumps in the road at Packers camp as Aaron […]
-
8/17 - Packers Camp Struggles, Top 10 QB/Pass Catching Combos, Malcolm Go... To Injured Reserveby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Ian and John discuss Aaron Rodgers comments about the young wide receiver […]
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Ian and John discuss the Zach Wilson injury scare, Deshaun Watson's debut […]
-
NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jersey League Wideby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the NBA's decision to retire Bill Russell's "#6" […]
-
Kevin Durant and Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the Kevin Durant power move and the similarities […]
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the pair of NFL preseason games from Thursday and […]
-
8/11 - Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Top 5 Running Backs, NFL Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Ian and John discuss Serena Williams impending retirement, Kevin Durant, […]
-
Serena Williams And The Best 21st Century Athletesby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Ian and John discuss Serena Williams' career and impending retirement as […]
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contractsby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Ian, Braden, and Kyle discuss the new quarterback contracts, Tyreek Hill […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 193 "Summer Slam Review"by Boot 2 The Face on August 8, 2022 at 10:05 am
Marty and Rucker return to talk the sights and sounds of Nashville for WWE […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 191 "Summer Slam Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on July 28, 2022 at 12:31 am
Rucker is joined by Angel and Timmy C of Filter Free Popcast who you can […]
-
8/19 - Deshaun Watson Suspension; Concern About Tom Brady's Absenceby Full Press Coverage on August 19, 2022 at 1:46 pm
-
(Season 2.7) Preseason Preview: Commanders vs. Chiefs w/ Braden Holecek of FPC Chiefsby Full Press Coverage on August 19, 2022 at 12:16 am
-
Ep 50: Deshaun Watson Suspended 11 Games, Fined $5 Millionby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 5:03 pm
-
Episode 99: Save the (Roquan) Drama for Your Mamaby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 3:14 am
-
(Season 2.6): Fantasy Football Live! w/ Kyle Senra, Manny Chokuba, and Ryanby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 2:40 am
-
Ep. 197 - Did LeBron Just Sign His Last NBA Contract?by Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 9:35 pm
-
Top 10 Quarterback/Pass Catching Duosby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:58 pm
-
8/17 - Packers Camp Struggles, Top 10 QB/Pass Catching Combos, Malcolm Go... To Injured Reserveby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:04 pm
-
Ep 119: Senior Class Finalists Announced; John Turney Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm
-
Ep 248: Traning Camp and Pre-Season Takeawaysby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 12:33 pm
-
Aaron Rodgers Addresses Early Camp Struggles for WRsby Full Press Coverage on August 18, 2022 at 5:12 pm
-
8/17 - Packers Camp Struggles, Top 10 QB/Pass Catching Combos, Malcolm Go... To Injured Reserveby Full Press Coverage on August 17, 2022 at 5:04 pm
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
-
NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jersey League Wideby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
-
Kevin Durant and Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
8/11 - Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Top 5 Running Backs, NFL Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Serena Williams And The Best 21st Century Athletesby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
-
Aaron Rodgers, Ayahuasca, and The Green Bay Packersby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm