Bears vs. Cowboys: 3 major takeaways from Chicago’s win
By Ryan Heckman
1. Tight end is no longer a big weakness
Through the first 12 games of the season, one of the biggest weaknesses of this team was the tight end position. No one is quite sure what has been going on with starter Trey Burton, other than not being “right” in one way or another. Whether it be physical or mental, we can only hope Burton gets himself healthy.
Adam Shaheen has also struggled health-wise, but when on the field, hasn’t done much to influence the offense significantly. Number three in line is Ben Braunecker, who was out due to a concussion in this one.
So, who steps up with the top three guys out?
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It was all about J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted — just as we all predicted at the beginning of the season.
Both Holtz and Horsted came up big in several moments throughout this game. Holtz, who started the season with the Washington Redskins’ practice squad, appeared in one game with the Philadelphia Eagles after being signed early on. He was cut back in September, and then signed by the Bears.
Against the Cowboys, Holtz caught all three of his targets for 56 yards — which led the team in receiving yardage.
Horsted, meanwhile, is the undrafted free agent who dazzled us in preseason this year. Finally, he got his shot and made the most of it. Last week, he was given a perfect ball in the end zone by Trubisky and came up with a phenomenal touchdown grab. This week, against Dallas, he caught all four of his targets for 36 yards.
Neither of their overall stat lines will blow you away, but looking closer, they did exactly what the Bears needed them to do. It may seem simple, but these guys ran great routes and executed when called upon — especially when it came to running after the catch.
In this one game, Holtz and Horsted combined for more yards after the catch than the entire Bears tight end group accumulated over the past seven games combined. It’s clear these two deserve to play, and that they can play. This position is no longer a glaring weakness.