Chicago Bears: Counting down the top-five plays heading into Week 14

Jimmy Graham turns back the clock against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

You like Jimmy Graham down in the red zone, yes indeed Troy Aikman. I’ve often joked about Graham being the Graham-pa of this team, but boy did he come out of retirement for this play. These are flashbacks of the plays that Graham used to make when hauling in passes from Drew Brees during his team as a New Orleans Saint.

Fast forward six years and Graham has become a reliable threat down towards the goal line. Unfortunately, he runs routes like Frankenstein’s monster and has dealt with incompetent quarterback play all season.

Still, I love this play for multiple reasons. You begin with the matchup, and as to why Jamel Dean (6’1″) was matched up on Graham (6’7″) that close to the goal post. Nick Foles delivered a solid throw to the opposite shoulder of the receiver, most importantly away from the defender, which allowed the future Hall of Fame tight end to pin the football on his shoulder pads and stare down his defender as the former college Miami hooper fell to the ground in a stunningly gracious manner.

Bears fans have taken offensive touchdowns for granted over the years. Thank you, Jimmy Graham, for reminding Chicago that we may have judged your offseason signing too harshly considering you’re tied with Allen Robinson for the team lead in touchdowns (5). Sigh, onto No. 3.