The Chicago Bears had plenty of standouts in their 30-24 statement win over the New England Patriots last Thursday night, including second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III, who is emerging as a young star on offense.
Burden had four receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown in the first half against the Patriots, where he showcased his speed, playmaking ability and why he's one of the top YAC getters in the NFL this season. While Burden wasn't targeted once in the second half, he remains one of quarterback Caleb Williams' most reliable targets, as Burden has caught all 17 balls thrown his way from Williams this season.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson recently discussed what makes Burden such a threat with the ball in his hands and how that's translated
to his on-field success.
"What's always stood out about him is he's elite with the ball in his hands," Johnson said. "It's just a matter of 'how can we get it to him,' certainly not a level where we're predictable, either. We don't want it to just be screens or underneath routes. He's got more to his game than that; he's got more speed than that, too.
"Last year, we were able to get him over the top a couple times, which was great to see. He's got that ability. I don't think that we've done that quite yet this year, yet that'd be a great thing to tap into. I'm encouraged by what I see with his intermediate routes and the detail with which he's playing in that regard."
Burden leads the Bears in receptions (35), receiving yards (491) and is tied for the most receiving touchdowns (2) through the first seven games, and there's no doubt he'll continue to be a focal point on offense given his ability to create after the catch.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson discusses what makes Bears WR Luther Burden such a threat
