Bears Blitz

Published by John Rozum on March 9, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

This offseason the Chicago Bears must acquire a true No. 1 receiver. And, whether it’s via the draft or free agency, either will work because quarterback Jay Cutler needs someone who can consistently stretch the field.

In addition, running back Matt Forte needs someone who can keep a defense from loading the box to stop the run.

Here, let’s focus on free agency as some well-established targets are expected to be available.

Vincent Jackson

Arguably the best receiver available, Vincent Jackson is in prime, has great size at 6’5″, 230 pounds and with Cutler’s strong arm, the Bears will be going deep a lot.

Lest we forget: the NFC North is horrendous when it comes to pass defense and it’s about time the Bears took advantage.

Jackson would arguably be the second-best receiver in the division (obviously behind Calvin Johnson) and would be drawing double coverage quite often. Still, his size allows for Cutler to toss up jump balls in the red zone.

Also, Jackson would derive defenders away from the underneath routes, so speedster Johnny Knox would get lots of yards after the catch. Not to mention Roy Williams would develop as a reliable No. 2 target.

Marques Colston

Slightly smaller in size than Jackson at 6’4″, 225 pounds, Marques Colston doesn’t stretch the field nearly as much either.

However, Colston’s reliability in general is arguably his best attribute.

Last season, Colston was targeted 107 times and caught 80 passes. That’s a 74 percent reception rate, which was more than Jimmy Graham (66 percent), Lance Moore (71 percent) and Robert Meachem (65 percent).

Now, obviously not everyone has the same number of targets, but considering how much New Orleans throws the rock, that’s an obsolete stat. In Chicago, the Bears need this kind of consistent reliability and presence over the middle and down the field.

Colston may not draw double-teams all the time, however, his coverage recognition to find the zone soft spots and work upfield will benefit just as well.

Reggie Wayne

Turning 34 years old by mid season, Reggie Wayne can still act as a solid No. 1 receiver with even the most adequate of talent around him.

Despite the Colts offense failing to be consistent and a passing threat in 2011, Wayne still garnered 960 yards on 75 receptions and scored four touchdowns.

In Chicago, Wayne will be supported by a great ground game and decent receivers who can beat single coverage. Knox and Williams are a great second-tier duo and with Wayne still proving he can best man coverage, the Bears passing game would quickly emerge.

Obviously, though, Wayne isn’t the threat like Jackson or Colston, but he can stretch a defense on occasion and remains a threat on third-down. With Cutler’s arm and better-than-given-credit-for mobility, The Windy City becomes very close to fielding a complete offense.

Who should the Bears target?

Marques Colston is likely Chicago’s best bet.

For one, Vincent Jackson should be looking to sign with a team that is considered an immediate Super Bowl contender, such as New England or San Francisco.

Chicago can get there in time, but the Bears are not NFC elitists at the moment.

Reggie Wayne on the other hand, will only be able to provide a few years because of his age. After two or three seasons, Chicago will be right back to where it is now.

Which leaves Colston, who is still in his prime, a proven performer at a high and consistent level and has extensive postseason experience.

Make no mistake about, any of these three veterans will significantly improve the Bears offense. But with Colston’s age, route-running anywhere on the field, size, experience and consistent production levels, he fits Chicago’s mold the most.

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