In search of some answers for the Chicago Bears' offense heading toward Week 3, as he also sent a blunt a message to the players, head coach Ben Johnson revealed a plan to get rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland more involved. An in-game injury prevented kept that from happening for Loveland, but Burden made a huge impact against the Dallas Cowboys.
Burden actually played one less offensive snap in Week 3 than he did in Week 1 (17), but the difference was clear as he had a team-high 101 yards on three catches (and one carry for seven yards). A 65-yard touchdown on a flea-flicker was the obvious highlight for him, but he also had a 29-yard reception that showed the skill set of a complete wide receiver who is poised to progressively earn a bigger role in the Bears' offense over time.
Luther Burden gets another accolade after breakout game in Week 3
Pro Football Focus was very complementary of Burden's work in Week 3, giving him a 93.0 overall grade and a 92.4 receiving grade. For the full season thus far, both of those marks would be the best among wide receivers.
For some additional context, Puka Nacua and Amon-Ra St. Brown both have overall and receiving grades above 90.0 through three weeks, and they are the only two.
On seven run blocking snaps against the Cowboys, Burden's grade was acceptable (63.4).
Then, it's no surprise Burden was the No. 1 wide receiver on PFF's Rookie Team of the Week for Week 3.
"A second-round pick out of Missouri, Burden made the most of his 17 snaps. Burden caught all three of his targets against the Cowboys for 101 yards and a touchdown, including a 65-yard score on a flea flicker. This all culminated in a perfect receiver rating of 158.3 and a 92.4 PFF receiving grade."
Even as creative as he is, Johnson had to figure out how to use Burden, and the injury that sidelined him for OTAs notably delayed his integration into the offense. A loaded pecking order for snaps and touches in the Bears' offense was/is also a factor.
Read more: Caleb Williams foreshadows what's in store for Luther Burden after breakout game
A relative lack of snaps has to be noted, but Burden excelled with the opportunities he had in Week 3 as Johnson paid off his promise. The arrow is now clearly pointing up for the rookie wide receiver, and where it goes from here this season is to be determined (in a good way).