An Overlooked Reason Anthony Miller Could Rebound In 2021

One of the biggest conundrums of the 2021 offseason for the Chicago Bears has been the status of Anthony Miller. The former 2nd round wide receiver showed such promising flashes through his first two seasons. Seven touchdowns as a rookie. Almost 500 yards over the final seven games in 2019. This is what made his 2020 campaign so frustrating. He was finally healthy and yet constant mental lapses held him back. Brutal dropped passes. Poorly executed routes. Bad decisions after the catch. Getting into physical altercations with defensive backs. The lack of discipline was a major disappointment to see. Especially for somebody who was in his third year as a professional. That is why many are having a hard time believing Miller can rebound this season. What with increasing competition on the depth chart from the likes of Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, and Dazz Newsome.

That said, there is one reason to think he may yet turn things around.

Don't get overly sentimental. It has nothing to do with superficial things like love for the fans or a true desire to help his team win. It's far more basic and logical than that. Something every single person on the planet can relate to. Money. In the madness of this offseason, it's easy to forget that 2021 represents a contract year for Miller. Anybody who understands the NFL knows that players always tend to deliver their best when they know their financial future is at stake. Recall a few recent examples for the Bears. Kyle Fuller - Coming off a knee injury in 2016 and not having his 5th year option picked up by the team, he shocked everybody with his do-or-die 2017 season. Aside from two interceptions, Fuller had a career-high 22 passes defended and 69 tackles. Adrian Amos - He'd been solid through his first three seasons in Chicago, but Amos saved his best for last. After just two interceptions in three years, he delivered two in 2018 alone. Not to mention career highs in passes defended (9) and tackled (73). Nick Kwiatkoski - Always somebody who performed fairly well when he got opportunities to see the field, Kwiatkoski went bonkers in his contract year of 2019. Despite only eight starts, he racked up 76 tackles, three sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RapE3xc7s8

Anthony Miller will never have a better chance to cash in

Everybody knows the second contract is when NFL players have their best opportunity to make the most money. They're in their physical primes. A point in which teams are willing to make maximum investment in them. Miller turns 27-years old in October this year. That is right on the cusp of when teams start getting reluctant about handing big money to players. Particularly ones who haven't yet realized their full potential. Anthony Miller is in a delicate situation. He's still on the roster. The coaches still believe he has a chance to contribute. At the same time, it has also been made clear the Bears are prepared to move on from him if given a good reason to. That means every moment over the next several months can't be wasted. Every workout, every practice, and every game. They will all be used to calculate his financial worth for the next four or five years of his career.

Don't forget he is a father now.

The man has a family to think about. If he's going to secure their future, then he better be ready to perform. That means learning to play the game the right way. The days of leaning on his considerable talent must be over. It's about embracing the intricacies of the pro level. Learn to outwit the opponent rather than just how athlete them. Can he do it? He certainly has the motivation to try.