Bears vs. Jaguars: Matt Spaeth adds value to Chicago as blocker

Bears tight end Matt Spaeth has only caught one pass in 2012, but he's been seeing more time on the field in the past two games. Chicago has turned to more two tight end sets after giving up seven sacks against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, and that has meant more reps for Spaeth. The Bears pass protection has subsequently improved, and offensive coordinator Mike Tice had the following to say about Spaeth's role in the offense (via ESPN):

"He's never going to go out and catch 12 balls. But he's going to have a very important part in our run game. He's going to have a very important part in our protection game. Every once in a while he'll catch a crumb. That's his role. But he's very important in what we're doing. We're running the ball a lot with him in there. We're [using] play-action a lot with him in there. And we utilized him a lot in the chip game the other night."

For his part, Spaeth doesn't seem too bothered by his role being primarily as a blocker. Spaeth also talked about the way he's been used to ESPN:

"I just want to be out there. I want to play football. My thing since I've been here is to do whatever they ask me to do. Whether that's blocking DeMarcus Ware, pass blocking, different things, etc. I do whatever they ask of me and do it to the best of my ability."

Spaeth and the Bears may not have as much to worry about in pass protection on Sunday, as the Jaguars have registered just two sacks in 2012. They're scheduled to meet the Jags in Jacksonville at 3:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the game will be televised on FOX.