Optimism around the Chicago Bears offense is limited this offseason. Hardly a surprise. When a unit finishes 29th in the NFL and doesn’t make any wholesale changes? It’s hardly a surprise most experts struggle to see how it can improve. What the team seems to be banking on are three factors. A revamped coaching staff that added a lot more experience. An overhauled tight end position with the arrival of Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham. Finally, the chances of their young talents taking a big step forward. Leading that final charge is Anthony Miller.
The young receiver got off to a rough start in 2019. He struggled with drops and couldn’t seem to find a groove. It looked like he’d be a victim of the sophomore slump. However, things started to click midway through the season. He finished strong with big performances on the road against the Lions and Packers. It was a sign that he could be living up to his billing as a 2nd rounder.
Marc Sessler of NFL.com is buying the hype. He believes Miller is the Bears player most likely to make his first Pro Bowl this season.
“Allen Robinson roams as Chicago’s top wideout, but Miller offers breakout potential after surging down the stretch in 2019. He piled up 445 of his 656 yards after Week 9, highlighted by a 9/118/1 line against the Packers and 140 yards off nine grabs in a Thanksgiving win over the Lions. Taylor Gabriel’s exit means more snaps while the addition of Nick Foles — if he stays upright — could flip the switch for one of the game’s more impossible-to-watch passing attacks of 2019.”
Anthony Miller has to keep the edge and stay healthy
Bears receivers coach Mike Furrey says that Miller really began to embrace the preparation work required before every game around the middle of last season. So it was hardly a shock the results were almost instantaneous. Keeping that edge is a necessity for the success to continue. The other part is health. Miller has yet to play a full season injury-free.
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Already he’s dealt with multiple shoulder surgeries in his Chicago career. It’s one of the reasons he hasn’t always shown up in games. He was often playing in a lot of pain. While nobody questions the heart, they do question the durability. If he wants to reach his full potential, he has to find a way to stay on the field.
Teammates and coaches have no doubt he will ascend if that happens.
