Chicago Bears Roster Review: Alshon Jeffery

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) runs past Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) to score a touchdown during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has quite a rebuilding project on his hands. In the next phase of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we look at the players who are currently on the Bears roster. We’ll look back at their 2014 season and look ahead to how they might fit into the team’s plans in 2015.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Age 25

The Chicago Bears were relatively quiet during free agency, considering their 5-11 record last season. Their biggest offseason move was not an addition to the team. Instead, it came when they shipped Brandon Marshall off to the east coast in a trade to the New York Jets. Losing Marshall means that it is now time for Alshon Jeffery to take the next step in his career and become the number one option in Chicago.

Throughout his first three years, Jeffery has made some ridiculous highlight reel catches making him a reliable option alongside Marshall. It was clear with the departure of Marshall that general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox believe that Jeffery can make the transition to number one receiver.

2014 Review

Last season was an absolute flop for the team, especially on offense considering the high expectations that were set in the offseason. Through all the challenges and the lows the team faced, Jeffery still managed to put up good numbers with 85 catches, 1,133 yards, and ten touchdowns. However, his drops during the latter part of the season did cause for some concern. In the Bears match up against division rivals the Detroit Lions Jeffery accounted for five dropped passes thrown to him by backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen. For Jeffery to succeed in his new role, inconsistencies like this must be eliminated.

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2015 Outlook

Now, in his fourth season and playing out the final year of his rookie contract, Jeffery must take the next step if he wants to get a big payday next year. He will no longer be in the shadows of Marshall. He has to prove that he can still produce at a high level with more of the defensive attention on him. Although, his numbers were solid, there were still times it seemed he and quarterback Jay Cutler were not on the same page. Jeffery will have to spend this offseason trying to build the same chemistry Cutler shared with Marshall. Their connection and understanding of each other on the field will be vital to the team offensive success.

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