Chicago Bears: Grading the team’s first half performance

Tight ends: C-

This is a unit that took a big blow in the Week 8 loss against the Saints. Zach Miller, who became Trubisky’s favorite target, tried to make a touchdown pass but ended up dislocating his knee and tearing an artery. With his season over, who steps up now? Dion Sims likely becomes the starter. He is more of a blocking tight end though he’s had some nice catches. Can he handle more targets?

While we expect more catches from Sims now, he’s had his troubles blocking, his forte. On a few occasions, rushers blew past him and put pressure or sacked the quarterback. Sims needs to get back to his usual self and help the offensive line. If he can do that, there is another tight end who may step up.

That other guy is rookie Adam Shaheen.

Shaheen, nicknamed “Baby Gronk” towers in at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds. He has good hands and runs routes well, but the Bears wanted to bring him in slowly so he becomes a better blocker. Like Trubisky, however, those plans need to be shelved. The Bears need more offense and more players who can make catches. That supposedly describes Shaheen. Now we need to see how true it is.