The Chicago Bears didn’t utilize Luther Burden much on Monday night aside from spot duty as a decoy. It wasn’t surprising. Head coach Ben Johnson seems intent on limiting the snaps for his rookies until they show they are prepared for the opportunity. Burden played really well in the preseason. He showcased his dangerous mix of strength, speed, and route-running skills. However, he’d missed considerable time early in training camp with an injury. So his progress in the offense probably isn’t where it needs to be yet.
That hasn’t stopped him from working hard to get ready. Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El is thrilled with Burden’s recent progress. He told Adam Jahns of CHGO that the rookie has been getting critical lessons on playing the position from an unlikely source.
“He’s taking it well,” Randle El said. “And he’s learned from the guys in the room, particularly Olamide, who’s been real good in terms of grooming him and teaching him as we go along: how to be pro and what it looks like, seeing coverages and all those type things.”
One would think Olamide Zaccheaus wouldn’t be interested in helping along the rookie because it would threaten his chances of getting targets in the offense. It speaks to the veteran’s professionalism and team-oriented mindset.
The Bears know they don’t have to rush Luther Burden.
In years past, any highly drafted receiver they took would have to see the field immediately due to depth problems. That isn’t the case with this team. Even before the draft, Chicago had assembled a solid trio of D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Zaccheaus. Luther Burden was just such an incredible talent that they couldn’t in good conscience pass on him. Having those other three means they can bring Burden along at a more gradual pace. He can get comfortable within the offense, learn the intricacies, and understand what the coaches want. He’ll be much better prepared by the time he starts getting real snaps.
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