Drops turned a notable concern for the Chicago Bears throughout their Week 10 matchup in opposition to the New York Giants. Large receiver Olamide Zaccheaus contributed to the issue with a number of miscues, extending his season whole to eight.
Regardless of characterizing the drops as remoted, head coach Ben Johnson determined to regulate the offensive strategy heading into Week 11. The reassessment led to elevated alternatives for rookie Luther Burden III, who had demonstrated consistency all through the season. Lately, Johnson defined his reasoning for increasing Burden’s position inside the offense.
“You get what you earn. And I feel he’s earned the elevated snaps. He’s steadily climbed,” Johnson mentioned of Burden.
Ben Johnson on Luther Burden’s elevated enjoying time: “You get what you earn. And I feel he’s earned the elevated snaps…He’s steadily climbed.”
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 19, 2025
Burden took the sector for 33 offensive snaps in Week 11, matching his earlier week’s whole and establishing his season excessive. His manufacturing dipped on this contest, ending with three receptions for 27 yards on 5 targets.
The decline mirrored elevated defensive consideration somewhat than drops on his half. Earlier than the Giants recreation, Burden had functioned as one of many group’s most reliable targets.
A single drop in opposition to the Vikings marked an exception to his general reliability. The snap distribution between the 2 receivers mirrored the teaching employees’s confidence trajectory, with Burden incomes 61% of routes in comparison with Zaccheaus at 19%.
The distinction in contract conditions additionally performed a job within the shift. Zaccheaus operates on a one-year deal whereas Burden continues his rookie marketing campaign. This dynamic naturally positioned the group to develop its youthful expertise because the season progressed.
Burden’s ability set has prolonged past conventional receiving statistics. His yards after the catch have been a constant energy all through the season. Coming into Week 11, he ranked third within the NFL in yards per route run amongst receivers with no less than 50 routes, trailing solely Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua.
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