Chicago Bears: Five Most Important Offensive Backups
By Andrew Poole
Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) is tripped up by Minnesota Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford (33) after a pass reception during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Bear Pascoe, TE
One of the surprising things about the Bears roster is the depth. They have a serviceable backup quarterback, but they have multiple options at running back and wide receiver, and several players along the offensive line – Charles Leno, Michael Ola and others – who likely won’t start but are capable of playing multiple slots upfront.
Then there’s tight end, where I think there’s still a chance the team is going to call me for a tryout.
The obvious stud is Martellus Bennett, the mercurial pass catching starter, coming off his best season with 90 catches, 916 yards and six touchdowns.
After him, it’s frightening, but I’m going with Bear Pascoe, who is an above average blocker, a contributor on special teams and is capable of being a receiving option if the Bears need him to be one. He’s 29, and at 6-foot-5-inches and 265 pounds has good size to be a blocking tight end, which is his primary contribution on offense.
Mostly, though, Pascoe is one of the most important offensive backups for the lack of depth surrounding him at the position. An argument can be made for Zach Miller, a talented option who is more of a pass catcher. But as far as I can tell, Miller has never played a full season and hasn’t PLAYED in a regular season game since 2011, mainly due to injuries. There’s no reason to think that streak will break and he’ll contribute beyond preseason this year.
The other options are poor. I’ve seen enough of Dante Rosario to know I never want to see any more, and the other candidates on the roster – Chris Pantale, Brian Vogler, Blake Annen – are inexperienced.
But mainly, let’s just hope Bennett stays healthy all year.
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