5 interesting notes from Chicago Bears week 1 snap counts

1. Fullback usage

The Chicago Bears brought in Khari Blassingame, which was a strong signifier that they would be using fullback much more in 2022 than they did in any of the Matt Nagy-era games.

While Blassingame was not the most impactful performer, he did get on the field for 11 snaps, 1 19% workload.

Still, while that is interesting, what makes it more interesting is seeing Jake Tonges on the field for nine snaps, a 16% share. The fact that he was only on the field for two fewer snaps than the starting fullback is notable.

One thing that has to be added is that Tonges is technically the third tight end as well, so he was not just stealing fullback snaps. Still, Blassingame can easily be a third tight end who motions to the end line and blocks the edge as well. The reality is that Tonges keeps winning the coaches over.

From OTAs to the training camp and preseason he has been a winner. Now, he is on the field as a rookie UDFA in week one. The versatility Tonges brings makes him a bit more valuable than Blassingame, and that is why it should be no surprise that they had such similar snap shares.

It will be interesting to see how much trust Tonges earns, and if he can become a starter by the end of the season.