Make no mistake. The Chicago Bears want Trey Burton back on the field just as much as fans. Head coach Matt Nagy has said on multiple occasions how vital the “U” tight end position is to the offense. The one Burton occupies. When the system has a guy in it who is good, the entire scheme functions at a higher level. Burton was clearly missed last week against Green Bay. Now people hold their breath to see if he’s finally ready to return from a persistent groin issue that has dogged him since the preseason.
The good news is he’s begun stringing practices together, although in a limited fashion. He remains optimistic that he’s close. If he is able to go on Sunday, it will be a potentially huge benefit for the Bears. Not just because of his overall meaning to the offense, but also the matchups he can create. Burton proved to be a problem for the Broncos defense when the two teams last met in the 2018 preseason.
Yes, the preseason isn’t always the best barometer for measuring two teams against each other. It’s all about context though. The starting Bears offense played the starting Broncos defense for much of the first half in that game. Burton was targeted a total of five times, catching four passes for 45 yards including a go-ahead touchdown at the start of the second quarter. His ability to move around the field and find gaps in the Broncos coverage was evident.
Trey Burton can help get Mitch Trubisky back on track
Nobody will say Burton is a star. He’s a good play who plays a pivotal roll in this offense. He also has a firm connection with quarterback Mitch Trubisky. His value at keeping the chains moving and being a threat in the red zone was sorely missed against Green Bay. In what many see as a must-win game in Denver, his return would improve their chances considerably. Of course, it won’t be easy. Nothing ever is in that stadium.
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Even so, the Bears need every bit of help they can get. Vic Fangio is a tremendous defensive coach. If there’s one area of weakness on the unit he inherited up there, it’s their inside linebacker. While solid run defenders, they proved vulnerable to tight ends in the opener against Oakland. That is no doubt something the Bears would love to exploit. Since Adam Shaheen hasn’t been up to the challenge, Burton has to be the guy.
