Anthony Miller came dangerously close to being traded this offseason. He was on the block for months. However, it appears the wide receiver will remain in a Chicago Bears uniform. At least for now. How long that lasts is entirely up to him. It is obvious the coaching staff is growing tired of his inconsistencies and lack of maturity in important situations. They’ve tried to stay patient with him but things seemed to reach a breaking point after his meltdown in New Orleans back in January.
That means this upcoming offseason might decide the course of his entire career. His roster spot is far from guaranteed after an influx of new wide receivers like Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, and Dazz Newsome. Also, don’t forget the 26-year old is in a contract season. So there is a lot riding on the next three months. He has to show everybody that he is focused and ready.
By the look of things, he’s doing just that.
Head coach Matt Nagy has said Miller is doing everything the coaches are asking of him. No complaints. Just work. While it is still early in the process, the receiver certainly seems dialed in. He provided an example on his Instagram account. The video shows him and rookie Justin Fields working through a red zone throwing drill. Fields’ throw sails a bit higher than it should. Miller reaches back and snags the ball with one hand. A highly impressive catch.
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One must remember that Miller isn’t known for having the most reliable hands at times. He had a few rough drops in 2020. Some of which cost him and the offense touchdowns. So for him to be making stabs like that in practice? It hopefully bodes well for what is to come.
Anthony Miller must repeat this in training camp
Making great catches against air is one thing. He’ll have to do the same against the starting defense come the end of July. He’ll be going against a Bears secondary that is just as motivated to perform as him. Several cornerbacks will be fighting for jobs. So they’ll likely bring extra juice whenever they line up across from him in drills and live scrimmages. Will Miller be able to avoid getting into petty squabbles and focus on doing his job?
That is what coaches will be watching for. The ability to play through the physicality and execute well. It is one thing to be talented and simply better than the player you go up against. What Anthony Miller hasn’t figured out is how to challenge and best defenders who play the game at a high level. When that happens, he tends to disappear. Not because he is incapable of winning those battles but because he isn’t detailed enough to do so.
It is time to take the next step.
If he fails? Then Miller will be relegated to the dustbin of history among the many, many other talented receivers who couldn’t grasp the critical intricacies of the position. Here’s hoping it doesn’t come to that. He seems motivated. That is good. Now it is a matter of good health and constant focus.
