Bears Blitz

NFL Rumors: Vincent Jackson Would Make Bears’ Offense Formidable in 2012

Published by Brian Mazique on March 10, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears need a receiver in the worst way, and Vincent Jackson is the best available. Jackson fits the Bears’ need for a big receiver able to destroy single coverage. In Jay Cutler‘s entire tenure as a Bears QB, he hasn’t had one receiver who commanded a double team downfield. Jackson would be that type of presence in the Bears’ offense.

Jackson averaged 18.4 yards per reception in 2011 for the San Diego Chargers. Bears leading receiver Johnny Knox did average 19.6 yards per catch, but if you’ve seen the two play, you know that number is deceiving.

Jackson is 6’5″, 235 pounds and very physical when attacking the ball at its highest point. Knox is 5’11”, 185 pounds and a bit timid, to put it nicely, when going for the ball in close quarters with defenders.

Compound that with the horrific back injury he suffered in 2011, and things aren’t all that promising in 2012.

Jackson’s 60 receptions in 2011 was almost twice the number of every Bears receiver. The threat and presence he would provide the Bears’ offense would change the way teams defend them.

Teams would no longer be able to focus almost solely on stopping Matt Forte.

Before Forte was injured, he accounted for most of the Bears’ attack. Even with him missing the final four games due to injury, his 1,487 yards was still 28 percent of the Bears’ yardage from scrimmage.

Jackson would bring another formidable threat to Chicago, one they haven’t had in years. If Jackson signs with Chicago, he has a good shot at rewriting almost every single season passing record in the team history.

The 2012 Bears would arguably have the best QB and WR in team history on the same roster.

That may seem like a bold statement, but when you consider the modest history at both positions, it isn’t far fetched.

With Mike Martz’s mismatched offensive philosophy gone, Cutler, Jackson and Forte would give Chicago fans something to be excited about on the offensive side of the ball.

The Bears must make signing Jackson their top offseason priority.