Trey Burton caught a lot of heat from Chicago Bears fans at the end of last season. When they heard he struggled to handle the idea of playing against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and then suffered an injury right before the playoff matchup against them? People felt the tight end found a convenient exit door, leaving his new team high and dry.
That may not be entirely fair, but it is what it is. Burton posted career-bests in yards (569) and touchdowns (6) last season. He was an integral part of the diverse and creative offense implemented by head coach Matt Nagy. Hopes are that he can expand further on those accomplishments, and it will be his versatility that helps him do it.
Matt Bowen of ESPN believes people don't see the true value of what Burton can do. One thing he does better than almost anybody is get open off movement play action passes. Only San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle is better in his estimation. Pretty lofty praise.
"Runner-up: Trey Burton, Chicago Bears. I wouldn't call the Bears a heavy play-pass team in Matt Nagy's first year as coach in Chicago, but Burton did post 23 grabs off play-action. With the formation flexibility to align in multiple spots -- and the traits to run after the catch -- look for Burton to be a top target for Mitchell Trubisky off both play-action and RPO concepts this season."
Trey Burton may see even more opportunities in 2019
One reason to feel like Burton may be an even bigger factor this year is how much deeper the offense around him has become. The Bears have far more options at both wide receiver and running back than they did last season. With defenses likely having to devote more attention to those areas, it should lead to further chances for Burton to strike for big plays. Not to mention the growing maturation of Mitch Trubisky.
The key for him will be health. He's still recovering from sports hernia surgery and it's uncertain how that will affect him in training camp and beyond. Not to mention the increased competition at tight end with the arrivals of Dax Raymond, Ian Bunting, and Jesper Horsted. Not to mention Adam Shaheen whom the Bears still have high hopes for.
Suffice to say Burton still has a lot of proving to do before fans accept him as a true key piece of this offense.
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