OTA and minicamps are often a perfect time for coaches to do some experimenting with system tweaks. This is often thanks to changes in personnel. Maybe the scheme can do something it hadn't been able to the year before. The Chicago Bears didn't quite find their stride last season until late October, when they began implementing run-heavy concepts borrowed from Baltimore. While it worked, it's clear that isn't what offensive coordinator Luke Getsy had in mind. Now we might be getting a taste of his true vision.
Most of the talks from practice center around quarterback Justin Fields' growing chemistry with wide receiver D.J. Moore. That isn't surprising. The two have a chance to make some magic right away this season. However, that connection has made it easy to overlook something else unfolding. There is a clear intent by Getsy to get the tight ends more involved in the passing game. Both Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan have been frequent targets in drills, often on the field at the same time.
That offers a hint about a slight shift in personnel groupings.
The Chicago Bears might be embracing a popular trend.
For those who aren't familiar, formations that feature two tight ends on the field are called "12" personnel. Getsy didn't run it much last season. The Bears ranked 21st in the league at only 23% of their plays run from that alignment. It isn't hard to understand why. The options behind Kmet were Trevon Wesco and Ryan Griffin. Not ideal. That changes with Tonyan, who is a far more dangerous receiving threat. Teams that run heavy 12 personnel tend to have lots of success
Seattle (1st), Kansas City (5th), Dallas (6th), and Jacksonville (8th) all made the playoffs and ran that formation at 30% or more. The Seahawks utilized it pretty well. Noah Fant and Will Dissly combined for over 800 yards and seven touchdowns despite being third and fifth in targets. Their presence allowed DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to both eclipse 1,000 yards and Geno Smith to make the Pro Bowl. It appears the Chicago Bears are hoping to create similar advantages for Fields.
They have a great setup. Both Kmet and Tonyan can catch passes. Kmet also creates versatility as a blocker, so it will be difficult to determine what he will do from snap to snap. This is likely something Getsy had in mind from the moment Tonyan was signed. It is a great idea if everybody is on the same page.
