Sleeper of the Week: TE Matt Spaeth

by Dane Noble on Nov 18, 2011 10:00 PM CST

Whoa, seriously? Yep.

Mike Martz does not utilize tight ends as much as most other NFL offensive coordinators... There was never any doubt about that. Desmond Clark, who was probably the most well-rounded TE for the Bears, was shown the door twice, and Greg Olsen, who many thought was more of an over-sized WR, is now playing pitch and catch with Cam Newton in Carolina.

So, with all that being said, why are we selecting a TE with a grand total of five receptions in 2011 as the sleeper of the week? Because, occasionally, we like to keep you on your toes.

The 2011 San Diego Chargers pass rush has been virtually nonexistent, so we should expect to see extra attention being paid to WRs running deep routes, as well as to RB Matt Forte out of the backfield. That means that Roy Williams could get some significant looks in intermediate routes, and Spaeth should be left alone quite often between the 20 yard lines.

However, don't discount his size advantage in the red zone. Spaeth is 6'7, 270 pounds, and is surprisingly nimble for a guy his size, so he's always dangerous in jump-ball situations.

But we're predicting that Spaeth finally gets it going this week... Look for a few 3rd down conversions along the way, and maybe even some attention in the red zone.

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Comments

Nice choice

It’s starting to look like Spaeth was a good signing, and trading Olsen was a decent move considering they got high 3rd rounder. Maybe JA can draft a WR or G or C or LB with that pick.

I expect the Bears to score 30 versus the Bolts bad D.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" - John Quincy Adams

by propheteer on Nov 18, 2011 10:37 PM CST reply actions

odd

you would think that trading Olsen and picking up Spaeth would indicate Jerry being all in on Martz.
I am begining to think that Jerry was just disappointed in his first round draft choice who coincidentally was looking for a bigger payday and decided he wasn’t worth it wheather or not Martz returned in 2012. One thing for sure Spaeth is better blocking in the run or passing game than Olsen and provides a huge target for Cutty down on the goal line.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Nov 18, 2011 11:14 PM CST reply actions

Spaeth is lightyears ahead of Olsen blocking on the line

When the Bears go max protect Spaeth can actually pick up a pass rusher and an extra blocker or two is making a difference. When Cutler has a clean pocket good things happen, Speath has been a big part of that this year.
Olsen probably could block, the guy just didnt apply himself to that aspect of his game. Dont expect this to change either, his apprenticeship under Shockey in Car. should cement Olsen as one of the top jerks of all time in this league.

White Sox fans need not apply.

by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 19, 2011 12:47 AM CST up reply actions

very astute prognosis

When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 19, 2011 12:26 AM CST via iPhone app reply actions

Let's admit it WCGers

Some of JA’s most maligned moves thisyear are not looking so bad now. Spaeth instead of Olson. I still think Davis has promise also. The time had come Kreutz. (Who might still be if he had taken the offer.) Paea is beginning to deliver on what appears to be a big upside. It’s a damn shame that JT Thomas has spend his rookie year on IR. He has promise at a position that is legendary (but this year lacking in depth) for our beloved Bears.

I have make a list of negatives too but that doesn’t matter right now. Because winning fixes everything. So keep winning Bears. Do it for Jerry!

by Mdwymnstr on Nov 19, 2011 7:20 AM CST reply actions