The tight end position in the Bears offense has been a troublesome spot to fill, but at least we are finally starting to see what the position is supposed to bring to the offense.
It’s just that no one expected it would be J.P. Holtz being the one to show us the way.
Bears radio analyst Tom Thayer goes into the film room to show what Holtz does to make the tight end position go in this offense, providing a glimpse of what this position should bring to the table.
Check it out:
Lined up on the line in a three-point stance as a run-block? Holtz did it. And his nailing of that role made him a successful receiver in the same formation, as his fake block that set himself to be the recipient of a screen pass was equal parts of excellence in play calling, play design, and execution all the way around. Heck, the Bears even lined him up as the “H-Back” for a run-pass option play. And while Hicks didn’t get the ball on the “pass” option, his down-field run-blocking sprung running back David Montgomery to pick up some extra yardage.
What makes the tight end position so dangerous in this offense isn’t the ability to rack up catches and receiving yards. Instead, it is the potential mismatches that are created when a defense can’t hone in on one type of play based on who the tight end is and where he lines up. Yes, the likes of Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz are tremendous tight ends in similar systems because they can catch 80+ balls, pick up 1,000+ receiving yards, and haul in 10+ touchdowns in a given season. But what makes them great is that they can play in different roles, which makes the offense that much more dangerous because of the various ways the tight end can impact a game.
None of this means Holtz is the solution to the Bears’ problem at this position. But showcasing what the tight ends room was missing could go a long way toward Holtz making a case to be part of the room next year.