Hey, don’t touch that ‘Joystick’

Would you convert Tarik Cohen into a slot receiver? He’s obviously not a 1,000-yard rusher or even a 750-yard rusher, and making him a receiver would utilize his talent to get the ball in his hands. Cohen is dynamic just the way the Bears are using him. He can be successful as a running back and receiver. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 11.3 yards per reception. Part of what makes him a nightmare matchup as a receiver is where he lines up. He’s very difficult for opponents to account for in the passing game when he’s coming out of the backfield. This coaching staff has done more with Cohen this season, and he’s a valuable part of the offense. I don’t think moving him to wide receiver full time would necessarily enhance his value. He lines up as a receiver quite a bit.

Why is Josh Bellamy ever on the field as a receiver? He has special teams value, but why is he used more than Kevin White? And why does Mitch Trubisky seem to look to him so much? I received an inordinate number of questions this week about Bellamy and White and how the Bears are deploying the wide receivers. First, let’s keep in mind that the team was forced to adjust late in the game Sunday because Allen Robinson was held out for the final three possessions. It’s fair to assume the groin issue that landed him on the injury report last week was the reason. Bellamy has 65 offensive snaps through six games — 10.8 per game. White has been on the field for 90 offensive snaps. Bellamy has seven targets, so I don’t think it’s fair to say Trubisky has been looking at him “so much.” Bellamy has better lateral quickness and better speed. He probably can get open more than White, who is subpar as a route runner, according to some scouts. That said, coach Matt Nagy praised White on Wednesday for being selfless, and we may see a little uptick in his playing time.