What have been the five biggest disappointments through the first quarter of the season for the Chicago Bears?
As we have gotten to the quarter pole of the 2019 season, there have been some pleasant surprises for a team that has gotten off to a 3-1 start. However, there have been just as many questionable disappointments to date.
Remember, this is a team that started 0-1 losing a divisional home game. They almost were 0-2 against Denver, and needed a flailing Washington roster to get themselves on the right foot. The Bears found their footing and look to be ready to get back into the mix. However, they will need some questions answered from these five players before they can feel comfortable about where they are going forward.
5. Trey Burton
The Chicago Bears need Trey Burton. Since his signing they are 15-4 when he is in the lineup and 0-2 without him. His ability to move around the line before the snap and help identify coverages and spot mismatches is a weapon that is unrecognized but is extremely valuable.
This is why the start to his season has been disappointing. Obviously, he missed Week 1 and the Bears lost. He got back into the lineup, and just his presence on the field has helped the offense.
However, moving forward they will need a bit more than just presence. They need him to start making plays. Burton has just eight receptions for 41 yards. Adam Shaheen has seven receptions for 50 yards. Would anyone have expected Shaheen to have a higher completion rate and yardage total than Trey Burton through four games?
Burton is coming off of offseason surgery. The hope is that by easing back into the mix, that they are not going to wear him down by the end of the season. It can argued that a lot of the short yardage pitches to Burton and blocking wore down a player who typically needs a blocking tight end next to him. If the offense wants to reach new heights, they need Burton.