Chicago Bears 2022 player preview: DeAndre Houston-Carson

	Game	Game	Def	Def	Fumb	Fumb	Fumb	Tack	Tack	Tack
Year	G	GS	Int	PD	FR	Yds	TD	Comb	Solo	Ast
2021	13	3	1	4	2	25	1	51	33	18

Advanced Stat to Know: DHC was sent on a career-high 12 blitzes.

Best Game of 2021

DHC’s best game wasn’t one where he started or one where he played a large number of snaps. It came Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. DHC only played 17 snaps and only had one tackle.

What DHC was able to do is something that is a bit of a trademark for him. He came in and made a splash play by being what I dub “DeAndre on the Spot.” DHC was able to play center field and track down this deep throw by Derek Carr for his only interception of the season.

Massaponax Football Alum DeAndre Houston-Carson with an INTERCEPTION for the Chicago Bears today! Great read and great play! #DaBears #NFL #Ponax 🏈 pic.twitter.com/DLnMmerxlw

— Massaponax Announcer (@PonaxAnnouncer) October 10, 2021

Biggest Question

Is DeAndre Houston-Carson the special teams’ leader?

Remember Sherrick McManis? He was the Bears’ special teams ace for nine seasons and rarely played meaningful snaps on defense.

DHC is having a very similar career in Chicago. At his best, DHC plays the majority of special teams snaps and comes in on defense in spot situations and sub-packages. DHC has played over 72 percent of special teams snaps every season since 2017.

With another new special teams coordinator to win over, and with the Bears bringing in other special teamers like Dane Cruikshank, just how large of a role will DHC have in the third phase?

Being one of the longest-tenured Bears, DHC provides a stable veteran presence on special teams and should be a leader in the locker room.

2022 Outlook

Even though DHC played a career-high 419 snaps on defense last season, the expectation is that the Bears have brought in enough talent around him to allow him to settle back into a reserve role and keep his focus on special teams.

But don’t be surprised when he gets onto the field in a sub-package and makes a big play.

Prediction: Core special-teamer that appears in sub-packages.

Stats: 20 Tackles, 2 PBUs, 1 Fumble Recovery, 80 percent of special teams snaps.