Alshon Jeffery’s Return Can Help the Chicago Bears Offense
Published by Dean Siemon on November 17, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Though many of us have criticized the Chicago Bears‘ offensive production, fans just received a bit of good news: rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery could return for an important Monday night game in San Francisco.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Jeffrey is listed as probable for Monday after recovering from a broken hand on Oct. 7 during a touchdown catch against Jacksonville: “Hopefully I can (pick up where I left off). Just take it to another notch, the whole receiving corps, it’s the second half (of the season).”
Before the injury, the second-round draft pick had 14 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard catch from quarterback Jay Cutler in the 41-21 season opening rout of the Indianapolis Colts.
In the past, Chicago has not been known for having many weapons at the quarterback’s disposal. But having a young and talented Jeffery on the same field as veteran receiver Brandon Marshall will help out backup quarterback Jason Campbell for Monday’s game.
While Jeffrey is still a developing rookie, it should only help to add another weapon to an offense that looked weak against the Houston Texans last Sunday.
Against Houston, the Bears committed four turnovers, including two fumbles after big receptions by tight end Kellen Davis and running back Michael Bush.
In the second half, Chicago was unable to get a steady drive going because of receivers not making catches or slipping on a very muddy and poorly kept turf.
Adding another good receiver like Jeffrey can also help take the pressure of Marshall, who leads the team in receptions with 67 catches for 904 yards and seven touchdowns.
The second man on that list is Earl Bennett with 17 catches for 187 yards. Jeffery is third with 14 catches for 184 yards and he’s been out for five weeks.
Now part of that can be attributed to Cutler having a good chemistry with Marshall, but the receivers who have been with the Bears the last few seasons have never really stepped up.
Will this help give the Bears the edge against the 49ers? It’s tough to say. But it can’t hurt to have another weapon come back, right?
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