A Lonely Few Keep Arguing To Beware The Bears Receiving Corps

It's easy enough to understand why most media outlets are panning the Chicago Bears receiving corps at the moment. In the space of two off-seasons they've lost every major proven asset in their passing game. Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett were traded. Alshon Jeffery left via free agency and Eddie Royal was cut. Granted, those moves were made with logical reasoning. Nonetheless it's left things in a thick cloud of uncertainty. Often when things just aren't known, it's automatically assumed they're bad. Experts left and right proclaim that 2017 will be a low point for the Bears passing game. Will it though? Quietly GM Ryan Pace has reassembled the teams personnel. Though they have no stars at this point, there is plenty of youth, athleticism and speed. In fact a number of sources haven't been shy in their praise of what this group could potentially be.

Bears receiving corps success rests on health

Much of the anticipation centers around the two men at the top. Former first round pick Kevin White and surprising second-year standout Cameron Meredith. Both showed flashes of being really good football players in 2016. According to Pro Football Focus, White was excellent during his brief four-game stint before succumbing to a broken leg. Meredith posted 888 yards on 66 catches. His progress is remarkable considering he was an undrafted free agent in 2015. Something new quarterback Mike Glennon wasted no time pointing out. Then there's free agent addition Markus Wheaton. Considered a disappointment in Pittsburgh, he nonetheless had some really good performances. His stats showed steady progression before an injury sidelined him early last year as well. The speed he brings to the table is no joke.

As is often the case, the key to determining just how good this group can be is health. Injuries have really hampered Chicago the past two years at the position. With a stout offensive line and Jordan Howard running the football, the odds are favorable that they won't have to worry about double coverage too often. This creates a prime atmosphere for guys to make big plays. Talent isn't really the question here. It's health and progression. Pace felt strongly enough about this group to not overpay Jeffery to stay. Was it misguided? Most would love you to think so. Truth be told it won't become clear for another four months or so. Until then it's all estimation and guesswork. History proves that is rarely a wise venture.