It’s been a few days since the Chicago Bears secured a 23-17 victory against the Tennessee Titans to open up the preseason, but fans are still talking about the explosive plays made by the first-team offense. Quarterback Justin Fields threw just three passes, with two of them going for long scores on back-to-back possessions.
On the first series, Fields found wide receiver D.J. Moore on a quick screen, who blew past the Titans defenders with the help of a convoy of blockers to reach the end zone. The next series, Fields avoided a sack to find running back Khalil Herbert, who also had help getting downfield before fighting through tackles to score his own touchdown. Both passes were obviously significant plays that gave the Bears a lead early on, but what about his other completion on the day?
Prior to the touchdown throws to Moore and Herbert, Fields began his outing with a quick pass to fullback Khari Blasingame in the flat as pressure was bearing down on him. Blasingame took the ball upfield for 11 yards to get the first down. He showed superb speed on the play for someone whose primary job is blocking.
It was a welcome sight to see the Bears get their fullback involved in the passing game and one former player who knows the position well wants to see more of it in the future.
Former Bears fullback Jason McKie, who now covers the team for ESPN 1000, joined the Bear Down Chicago Podcast last Sunday and was asked about Blasingame’s involvement in the offense. After playing the entire 2022 season with no carries or receptions, does the former fullback think Blasingame’s role will expand this year?
“I hope so, he’s a really good player,” McKie said. “He can do a lot of things, he brings versatility with that fullback position and when you have another piece like that, another chess piece you can use to your advantage, I think it enhances the offense. I would love to see them stay in 21 personnel and get him out in the flat like they did early in the game.”
McKie played fullback for the Bears from 2003-2009 and knows a thing or two about getting involved as a playmaker and not just a blocker. He totaled 67 receptions for 357 receiving yards and three touchdowns during his seven-year tenure with the Bears. He also added 29 carries for 84 yards and three touchdowns as a rusher. Interestingly enough, his best season came during the team’s 2006 Super Bowl run where he caught 25 passes for 162 yards.
After many years without a dedicated fullback, the Bears essentially revived the position when they signed Blasingame to a one-year deal last offseason. Blasingame had spent three seasons with the Titans, leading the way for All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. He proved to be a major asset in the run game for the Bears as well in 2022 and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension this offseason.
Though his primary job is leading the way for guys like Herbert, D’Onta Foreman, and Roschon Johnson, the 27-year-old has flashed as a playmaker at certain times throughout his career. Blasingame has 97 career receiving yards in the regular season (all with the Titans) but really showed out during the preseason. Bears fans might remember his long catch-and-run when he was with the Titans in 2021.
Return of the fullback! @KB_TwoThree
đź“ş: Watch #CHIvsTEN on @WKRN & @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/8CRIJQWAU4
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 29, 2021
It’s clear Blasingame has the ability to make things happen as more than just a blocker. In fact, the Bears have dialed up plays for him during camp practices each of the last two years. But will those plays remain tucked away for preseason games only? McKie certainly hopes that’s not the case. “I hope that wasn’t just a preseason thing, I hope they build upon that and continue to use all the weapons they have.” Perhaps there will be more dedicated plays for Blasingame when the games actually count but time will tell.