5 hours ago
Luther Burden's blocks weren't the only neat thing about those TD runs
The Chicago Bears scored two first-half one-yard touchdown runs in their second preseason game, and each featured a key block by rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III. The blocks were replayed and discussed on the broadcast, on highlight shows, and social media, but the blocks themselves weren't the most impressive part of the plays to me. Don't get me wrong, I love the rookie taking pride in the 'no-block, no-rock' mentality, but the design of the play was something I immediately noticed.
I've been watching Bears football for a long time, and I'm sure at some point in my fandom, I've seen something similar, but Ben Johnson using motion to give his offense an advantage seems fresh.
Check out the two plays back to back in the video embed here.
Not only was the motion used to get Burden on the move to make the blocks more timely and forceful, but the motion brought the defensive back with him.
On the first play, the Bears were in 11 personnel (1 running back, 1 tight end), and Burden motioned behind Maurice Alexander (#13) and blocked the defender who was ready to step up and attack running back Brittain Brown. The motion turned Buffalo corner Dorian Strong's (#43) shoulders, leaving him in no position to fill the running lane.
On the second touchdown, the Bears were in 12 personnel, with both tight ends on the right side, and Burden's motion brought him in to lead Ian Wheeler through the hole beteen the two tight ends. The motion again brought Strong with him, but this time Burden's block pushed defensive back Jordan Hancock (#37) into the end zone and directly into Strong's path.
Ben Johnson used motion the third most in the league in 2024 with the Lions (82.6%), while the Bears used it the fourth fewest (46.2%) a season ago. In year one of his Chicago offense Johnson might not dial motion up as much as last year , but we're sure to see a higher frequency.
