Chicago Bears offensive strategy focuses on Luther Burden

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has expressed a desire to increase the usage of wide receiver Luther Burden, noting his elite ability to handle the ball at all levels of the field. Johnson emphasized that the team aims to utilize Burden's speed and intermediate route-running rather than relying solely on underneath routes or screens.

Burden has emerged as a significant efficiency factor in the Bears' passing game, particularly when the team operates in 11 personnel. Statistical analysis shows Burden ranks highly in yards per route run and targets per route run among wide receivers with significant route counts since the start of 2025. While Burden excels in three-receiver sets, Rome Odunze remains a primary engine for the team across various formations, leading in total routes run.