The Chicago Bears are hoping that second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III lives up to all the offseason buzz that was around in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
It took Burden about half the season last year to be the guy the Bears needed him to be, but he eventually came around. He ended his rookie season with 652 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the deep threat they knew he could be.
Questions remain about Rome Odunze entering Week 1 with his new injury, which opens the door for Burden to become the focal point of the passing game. Burden will face a tough matchup against the Panthers' defense, with one cornerback he will most likely be matched up against.
Bears will have Luther Burden face off against Panthers' Mike Jackson
One of the most underrated matchups in this game might be Burden and Jackson facing off. Burden has the speed, while Jackson has the shutdown ability that doesn't get recognized as much as it should.
Last season, Jackson was robbed of a Pro Bowl selection despite strong play in 17 regular season games. He led the NFL in pass deflections with 19, while adding four interceptions and allowing a quarterback rating of 75.0.
This will be a good early-season challenge for Burden, as a way to prove that he can be a WR2. While many people love the potential he brings to the table, he hasn't played long enough to earn 100% of everyone's trust that he can be an elite receiver.
He had too many inconsistent games throughout the 2025 season. Most of that was because the Bears' head coach, Ben Johnson, would call screen passes and wouldn't let him run vertical routes. Once Johnson let Burden loose late in the season, that completely changed his season.
Jackson is a solid corner, though, who will make life tough for Burden. He will make the young receiver earn every reception and yard. Jackson is only going to get better and build off the momentum from last year, so Burden needs to be ready to face off against him.
Read more: Baker Mayfield's extension started the clock on Bears with Caleb Williams
If Burden puts up big numbers in this first game and proves he can beat the top corners in the league, it will solidify what everyone knows about him. Bears fans can lock in a monster season for Burden.
Add us as a preferred source on Google