The Chicago Bears' defense has been better than expected this season. Even the secondary, which was usually a low point except for the interceptions, has held its own fairly well, except for the ever-struggling Tyrique Stevenson.
Notably, the Bears have done particularly well against tight ends. They held Carolina Panthers' TEs to two catches for 35 yards, and didn't give up a single catch to tight ends in Weeks 2 and 3. Then, the New York Jets' TEs combined to haul in 9 receptions for 78 yards.
That's why, after holding tight ends to 10.7 yards per catch, Green Bay Packers star Tucker Kraft might have a tough time in Week 5. He's already struggling, and Dennis Allen's defense is about to make things worse for him.
The Bears might dodge a big bullet with Tucker Kraft
Kraft was one of the best playmakers at the position last season. His ability to pile up yards after the catch and make defenders miss in traffic was a headache, but fortunately for Chicago, that hasn't been the case this season.
He hasn't lived up to the lofty contract extension they gave him this offseason after he suffered a season-ending injury. Through four games, he's up to just 148 receiving yards on 15 receptions, and he only has one touchdown.
Kraft used to be Jordan Love's go-to guy in crucial situations. But with Matthew Golden taking a leap and Christian Watson finally being healthy, it looks like he's fallen behind in the pecking order. He's waiting for a breakout game, and that won't happen against the Bears.
The Packers' comically bad offensive line has limited their running game, and it might force Jordan Love to throw the ball more often than Matt LaFleur would want. But with Kraft not finding any openings, this could be a long day in the office for the Cheeseheads.
While there's still no official update, there's a realistic chance that Kyler Gordon will make his season debut in Week 5. He's been a full participant in practice, and as the team's top slot specialist, he'd give them yet another weapon to contain Kraft.
And with star rookies Dillon Thieneman and Malik Muhammad also taking turns in the slot at times, plus the Bears' improved linebacker play, the table is set for Kraft's ongoing woes to continue for at least another week.
Maybe (probably) he was just a one-year wonder.
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