Marc Mariani (80) Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener
The Chicago Bears open their 2015 regular season on September 13th at home against the Green Bay Packers, which is exactly 80 days away. Continuing our Countdown to Kickoff series, it is time to take a look at Bears’ return specialist/wide receiver, #80, Marc Mariani.
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After the Bears struggled to find a consistent replacement for Devin Hester at the start of last season, they scooped Mariani off of the scrap heap, signing him to a two-year contract in Week 12. Mariani stepped up right away, and gave the Bears a consistent presence as a returner.
He had 27 total returns for the Bears in the last six games of the season, which included a very impressive 510 kick return yards. Mariani was finally able to give the Bears a player who they could trust in the return game in the latter stages of last season. He also showed great quickness and explosive cuts that gives him big play return potential.
Before joining the Bears last season, Mariani spent the last four seasons on the Tennessee Titans’ roster. His best season came as a rookie in 2010 when he had 87 total returns for 1,859 yards and two touchdowns. Mariani was rewarded with a Pro Bowl nod that year.
While it was not at a Pro Bowl level, Mariani had another successful season in 2011. Unfortunately, he suffered a major leg injury that included two broken bones during a 2012 preseason game, and he never appeared in another game for the Titans. Now fully healthy, Mariani looks to get back to the Pro Bowl level with the Bears.
What to Expect from Mariani in 2015
Barring injury, Mariani will enter the season as the Bears’ primary kick and punt returner. He showed nice upside last season, and he has a history of success at the position. Even if he does not reach his upside as a returner, he is at worst a reliable player who will not turn the ball over. That itself has plenty of value.
He probably won’t see time as a wide receiver, as the Bears have nice depth at the position. He could probably play offense in an emergency, but his value to the team is as returner.
When it comes down to it, Mariani will probably not be a player who is going to make or break the season, but simply solidifying the return game can help the team tremendously.
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