March 29, 2024


News

After 1st-half struggles, tight end Jimmy Graham sparks Bears in win

Bears tight end Jimmy Graham was targeted four times in the first half. He had zero catches to show for it.

The tight end’s struggles were a microcosm of the Bears’ struggling offense.

Graham caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Mitch Trubisky early in the fourth quarter. It was Graham’s first catch in a Bears uniform, and the first for any Bears tight ends in 2020.

It also awakened the offense.

“After getting that first catch, getting my hands on the ball, then I was ready and locked in,” Graham said. “I hold myself to a high standard, and early in that first half, I got to make those plays, and I will moving forward. I’ll guarantee that.”

It was a simple enough play, but it came at a time when the Bears needed a breakthrough int he red zone.

“It might seem elementary for that throw and catch, but that’s a big-time touchdown in that situation,” added coach Matt Nagy.

Graham caught two more passes Sunday, including a 17-yard reception later in the fourth quarter that set up another Bears touchdown. That catch had initially been ruled a touchdown before being reversed after a replay review. Trubisky found receiver Javon Wims for a touchdown on the next play.

Graham was impressed with his new quarterback’s demeanor, even when the Bears went down by 17 points.

“There was never a moment on that sideline when he wasn’t completely positive about what we could and what we were going to do,” Graham said.

Graham finished his day with three catches for 25 yards and one touchdown.

Sean Hammond

Sean Hammond

Sean is the Chicago Bears beat reporter for the Shaw Local News Network. He has covered the Bears since 2020. Prior to writing about the Bears, he covered high school sports for the Northwest Herald and contributed to Friday Night Drive. Sean joined Shaw Media in 2016.