Chicago Bears: On the Second Day of Christmas
On the second day of Christmas, my Chicago Bears gave to me…
As I work on this series, I realize I may have overlooked one major aspect of the song. Each day has its corresponding number to go with it. For example, today would be two turtle doves. As the numbers get higher and higher as the days go on, it might become more difficult for me to keep the true theme for the Chicago Bears. I will do my best.
On the second day of Christmas, my Chicago Bears gave to me…two new tight ends. That is right. Who needs Trey Burton? In fact, the Bears should definitely cut him after this season. They have seen more production out of their backups than Burton anyway.
The Bears have found two tight ends to help them over the last few weeks in Jesper Horsted and J.P. Holtz. These two have made their way onto the Chicago Bears roster in two very different ways. Horsted is an undrafted free agent who the Bears brought in this season. He is a converted wide receiver who set records for receptions and touchdowns at Princeton.
Horsted has played in three games and started on Thanksgiving versus the Lions. Over those three games, Horsted has six catches on six targets. He has gained 58 yards and scored one touchdown. Personally, I wish Horsted was promoted for Shaheen much sooner.
J.P. Holtz came to the Bears through waivers. Washington released Holtz back in September and the Bears were awarded him with their waiver claim. Holtz had been playing more of an H-Back role in Matt Nagy’s system. He typically lines up in the backfield as a lead blocker. As the Bears lost Trey Burton to injured reserve, benched Adam Shaheen to injured reserve and then now Ben Braunecker, Holtz’s role has started to expand.
Holtz has played in 11 games for the Bears and started four of them. Holtz rarely ran routes though but has caught all but one target. He has five catches on six targets for 79 yards. His best game came last week against Dallas when he caught three passes for 56 yards. Too bad the Bears could not find this production out of their tight ends earlier this year.
Next. First Day of Christmas Bears Addition. dark
Tomorrow the Bears head to Lambeau Field to take on their rivals to the north, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have really struggled against the tight end position this season. The Packers defense has allowed 69 catches for 826 yards and six touchdowns this year. Can the Bears take advantage of this matchup with these two tight ends? To win tomorrow they will need to.