Bears Blitz

Published by Seth Boster on June 17, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

If you’re a Bears fan, you are looking at the Chicago Bears’ roster and undoubtedly questioning the receiver position. And you have a reason to.

You have a reason to be concerned with the No. 1 receiver being Devin Hester. Hester showed us last season that he is far too raw to be considered a solid No. 1 option.

You must be fearful that Earl Bennett will head into 2009 being Chicago’s No. 2 option. He never caught one pass in his rookie season in the NFL last season. ‘Nuff said.

Now, I personally feel that Jay Cutler’s electrifying talent throwing to these players will make them better. But, in no way, will Cutler make the Bears’ passing game something to be considered great with these receivers.

The Chicago Bears have done some truly magnificent things this offseason by bringing in Cutler, bolstering the offensive line, and making the necessary moves to bring the defense back to where it needs to be.

In many ways, the Bears have a chance to compete in the postseason. But that chance could become foreseeable if the Bears make one more offseason move.

If the Bears sign a quality receiver, the offense will thrive. So, is it destiny that two class receivers are available for the Bears to acquire?

Let’s take a look at these two names who could answer any questions Bears fans have about the Bears’ receiver dilemma.

Plaxico Burress

We’ve all heard the story. Plaxico Burress went out to a Manhattan nightclub and ended up shooting himself in the leg with a concealed gun. Burress was charged with felony counts of possessing this concealed weapon. Later, the New York Giants released Burress.

This court case is now adjourned until Sept. 23 and it seems likely that Burress will have the opportunity to play in 2009.

It is disputed that Burress causes problems between GM’s and coaches. But if the Bears have the chance to sign him, it is a no-brainer move to do so.

Really, it seems Burress’ legal issue right now is a little over the top. In reality, who, in the NFL isn’t hiding a gun somewhere? It seems Burress has just been the NFL player that was caught after ironically shooting himself with his hidden gun.

Nonetheless, it is illegal. Burress should not have been carrying this gun and he did legitimately commit a crime by possessing it.

Perhaps I’m a little sentimental, but I believe Burress has learned his lesson and will cause less problems to which ever team he plays for next.

If he does land with the Bears and has not learned his lesson, General Manager Jerry Angelo, will know how to take care of him. Look at what he did with Cedric Benson. One little mistake, and he was released.

The difference with Benson and Burress is that Burress will actually provide a strong asset for the Bears.

The 6’5″ Burress would provide the receiver who could create separation from defenses and be the No. 1 guy for Cutler.

It has been reported that the Chicago Bears are one of the four teams that have shown interest in Burress. When considering the likelihood of him coming to Chicago, the chances are relatively positive.

Who wouldn’t want to step into a situation where he is the No. 1 guy with a young and skilled quarterback? Also, the Bears could probably match any contract deal with Burress that any other team could offer.

Easy now, don’t get too excited.

Burress still must get through a court case that potentially could sentence him to years in jail. Then again, now that the court case has been delayed, Burress’ attorney, Benjamin Brafman, says that it would be “inconceivable” that he face charges until 2010.

Signing Burress would be a good move for the Bears albeit his personal issues in the past. Burress is a very talented receiver that could work nicely with the very talented Cutler.

Brandon Marshall

The Denver Broncos continue dismantling their franchise as they have allegedly agreed to accommodate the wishes of their star receiver, Brandon Marshall’s request to be traded.

A blog posted on bmarshall15.com, Marshall’s official website reads:

“Life is filled with change, and where I am in my life now change is probably best. It’s hard leaving an organization ran by one of the best owners in all of sports, and someone who’s been there for me through my ups and downs.  The hardest thing was hearing Mr. B wish me luck in the future, but we both came to the conclusion that  this is probably the best thing for me to grow on and off the field.

I thank the Denver fans who embraced my emotion and play on the field and showing me love every time I step outside my door.”

The fishy thing about this situation is that Head Coach Josh McDaniels, has said that he expected Marshall to be at training camp.

From what we know, however, that does not seem to be the case after Marshall and his agent, Kennard McGuire, met with Broncos General Manager, Pat Bowlen on Friday.

The situation is relatively new and team interests have not quite made it to the public eye quite yet. But many teams would be interested in a 25-year-old talent such as Marshall’s.

One of those teams would definitely be the Chicago Bears, the same team that snatched Denver’s franchise QB, Cutler.

Most likely, the Broncos will trade Marshall to a NFC team to avoid trading an elite wide receiver to the competition in their own division. You can’t throw out the chances of the Bears acquiring Marshall. But, Angelo would be performing another miracle by doing so.

The Bears might have to bid against other teams who still have a first round pick in 2010’s draft. The Bears already dealt that pick to the Broncos when they traded for Cutler.

It would make sense for the Broncos to ask for a defensive player to assist a defense that performed poorly last season. If that were the case, the Bears could offer tackle, Tommie Harris. Harris has recovered from an injury that plagued him in last year’s campaign.

Like Burress, Marshall does not have the cleanest resume. And like Burress, the Bears’ organization would know how to handle any character problems he may have. Also like Burress, the Bears would profit greatly from Marshall’s talent.

Marshall could reunite with the quarterback that got him the third most receiving yards in the league over the past two years with 2,590 yards. Cutler and “The Beast” could continue their hot streak in Chicago.

Cutler and Marshall were a part of the second best offense in the NFL in 2008. Now ask yourself, “How different would the Bears’ offense be than the Broncos’ if they had Marshall?”

The answer is not much different. Cutler and Marshall would still have a great offensive line in Chicago, and they would actually have a more potent running back in Matt Forte.

Marshall could be the final piece for a Chicago Bears offense that could make it to a Super Bowl appearance.