Bears Film Study: Luther Burden III Burns the Commanders' Defense in Week 6

In the Chicago Bears' 25-24 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 6 last season, the game came down to the closing seconds. Kicker Jake Moody made his debut with the Bears and converted three of his four field goal attempts, including the 38-yard game-winner as time expired. 

Of course, there were plenty of plays throughout the game that lead to the final result between the two NFC teams at Northwest Stadium. 

Wide receiver Luther Burden III helped create one of the Bears' biggest passing plays of the game. After the Bears came away with two empty drives in the second quarter, Chicago's offense needed someone to make a play in the second half. 

The Bears entered the third quarter with a 13-7 lead, but Washington scored a field goal on its opening drive to make it a 3-point game. On the Bears' first possession in the second half, Chicago went on an 8-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a Moody field goal. Caleb Williams connected with Burden for a 37-yard reception, which moved the offense into Commanders territory, allowing Moody to make his 41-yard field goal. 

Using Bobby Peters' "The 2025 Chicago Bears Complete Offensive Manual," let's break down Burden's explosive reception against the Commanders from the Bears' Week 6 win. 

The Bears are in 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end and three receivers), and coach Ben Johnson calls one of his many variations of PA Dagger. 

According to Peters, "Dagger is defined as a three man combination. An outside Dig route, usually of the deeper 16-20 yard variety. A Thru/Clear that is designed to cross the face of the nearest safety. The third element is some sort of hook control, usually the running after the play fake."

That's where the play starts, with Williams faking the handoff to running back Kyle Monangai. Also, notice center Drew Dalman execute the "Whirly Bird Block" to secure the left edge. 

(I spoke with Dalman about this play in my player locker room film breakdown.)

This is a deeper developing concept, so the Bears' ability to protect is critical for the play's success. Williams uses a side-arm throw to lead Burden, who is running the "Thru" route. The Bears' wide receiver does a nice job of creating separation as he breaks inside from the defensive back.

"The Thru looks more like a Hi Cross in this variation, as the route flattens more than usual," Peters wrote. "The route flattens to work back to the quarterback to take away an undercut angle from the man defender. ..."

As with many of Burden's receptions, the play doesn't just end after he secures the ball. Watch him gain an additional 15 yards after making the catch at the Commanders' 30-yard line. 

Make sure to become a member at Bears Roundtable Sports to get more film study content. It's a good way to pass the time until the Bears return to Halas Hall for training camp next month. 

Also, check out Peters' book "The 2025 Chicago Bears Complete Offensive Manual." It's a great resource to learn more about Johnson's offense and how it operates.