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Jeffery’s return could bring vertical threat Bears
It’s obvious that the Bears’ offense is better with Jay Cutler under center. But what can it be with Alshon Jeffery finally healthy outside at receiver?
One quote from Jeffery from last week stands out as the Bears’ No. 1 receiver works his way back to health from a strained hamstring with the Chiefs on tap Sunday.
“I feel like once we’re all together, [the offense is] going to be something scary,” Jeffery said. We’ll see about that. Coordinator Adam Gase’s game plans have been methodical and efficient, especially with Cutler involved. They’ve featured plenty of underneath routes and quick screens to receiver Eddie Royal and tight end Martellus Bennett. Cutler has played well minus his Cutler-esque interceptions. But he also has been missing his best receiver. Jeffery played in the opener against the Packers, but he had missed the whole preseason with a strained calf. He wasn’t himself.
The Bears and Jeffery sided with caution for the Raiders game. The Bears knew they could hang with Oakland without him. But if Jeffery returns now, it will be a meaningful boost against two beatable teams, the 1-3 Chiefs and 0-4 Lions, before the bye week.
The Bears’ offense has featured new wrinkles every week. Gase is creative, and Jeffery’s return would only enhance that inventiveness. A dormant downfield attack could be awakened with Jeffery back and Marquess Wilson coming off a breakout game against the Raiders.
Two of Cutler’s longest comple- tions this season have been short passes turned into big gains by Wilson (a 50-yarder vs. the Packers) and running back Matt Forte (a 38-yarder vs. the Raiders). Cutler’s 48-yard touchdown pass to receiver Josh Bellamy against the Cardinals was aided by a blown coverage.
In his two full games this season, Cutler has averaged 6.3 and 6.5 yards per completion. Jeffery averages 14.8 yards a reception in his career.
“It’s a long season,” Jeffery said recently. “There’s a lot more games left.”
Bears offensive line coach Dave Magazu deserves special mention for his work this season and especially for the first win against the Raiders.
Kyle Long gets better at right tackle every week after minimal time spent at the position during training camp and the preseason.
After a rough preseason, Charles Leno Jr. didn’t look overmatched in his first start at left tackle and against Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith.
Longtime guard Matt Slauson was able to handle the calls just fine at center after Will Montgomery broke his leg and against a formidable Raiders front.
Magazu has a lot to do with all that.
Trade Forte? Never say never. But the veteran running back continues to be one of themost consistent performers in the league.
Forte is second in the league with 367 rushing yards, which have come on a league-high 84 carries, which are nine more than Vikings star and NFL leading rusher Adrian Peterson. Forte also has 133 receiving yards.
In other words, Forte is still really good.