Bears Hoping Competition Breeds Excellence
Nov 4, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) after catching a 23-yard touchdown pass in the 1st quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
In another example, you have Dan Wiederer’s Tribune piece on wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery and how the duo are pushing each other in the competition to be the Bears #1 wide receiver. While Jeffery may not be as decorated as Marshall, he’s not satisfied playing Robin to Marshall’s Batman:
"“It’s straight competitiveness,” Jeffery said with a shrug. “Why settle for second when you can be No. 1? Who wants to be remembered as No. 2?”"
Plenty of terrific players have had great careers playing second fiddle. Just ask Scottie Pippen about that. He’s done well for himself as possibly Chicago’s best ever #2. But again, it’s the competitiveness between Marshall and Jeffery that pushes both to reach higher levels.
"“I enjoy always competing with and against each other,” Jeffery said. “We’re always talking about being great. There is some stuff (in training) that I might not want to do. But he’ll tell me straight up, ‘This is what it takes.’ “"
I don’t think there’s a loser in this competition besides opposing cornerbacks.
The last bit about competition are the signings of a couple of returners:
"The Chicago Bears increased competition in the return game on Tuesday by signing a couple of kick returners/receivers in Armanti Edwards and Micheal Spurlock."
With Devin Hester’s departure and Domenik Hixon’s season ending injury, the Bears have a gaping hole on their special teams unit. Right now, former CFL standout Chris Williams seems to be the frontrunner, but adding a couple of veterans should raise his game.
Throughout the offseason, the Bears have been adding players to positions of need to add competition to raise the level of all players. Yes, I’m talking to you Chris Conte.
Walt Disney once famously said “I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” Let’s hope the Bears can’t get along without it either.