Jan 4, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) during the Cotton Bowl.

Phil Emery is realizing that the key to winning in the NFL is now piecing together a compatible offense. In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears picked up South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in the second round at pick number 45. After acquiring Brandon Marshall and drafting Alshon Jeffery, you would think that the Bears would be done at the wideout position…but they shouldn’t. Devin Hester shouldn’t be put back as a wide receiver, and be strictly used on special teams. That and Earl Bennett has proved to be a decent wide receiver but with little production.

I believe that the Chicago Bears should be using one of their draft picks on a wide receiver later on in the draft. My projection: Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills. It’s a stretch seeing that Stills would be a perfect fit IF the Bears had a 3rd round draft pick…so I’m assuming that if the Bears pick a WR it would be with their 4th round draft selection. Take a look at some stats about Sooners wideout Kenny Stills from CBSSports.com:

Height: 6-1

Weight: 194 lbs.

Position Rank: 16

40 yard dash: 4.32

Bench Press: 16

Vertical Jump: 33.50

2012 Statistics

82 receptions                    959 receiving yards                11.7 avg                   11 touchdowns

The team of Marshall, Jeffery, and (Earl) Bennett wasn’t enough. Adding Martellus Bennett is going to help tremendously, but I think that the Bears still need one more wide receiver. With Alshon Jeffery getting injured last year, I question if he will end up being an injury-prone guy or if he will produce more than the 367 receiving yards with three touchdowns from last season. And can Earl Bennett be a wide receiver worthy of even 500 receiving yards a season? Personally, I don’t think so. The more offensive guns, the merrier.

Enough about the Bears wide receivers, let’s talk about Kenny Stills. He’s an incredible athlete with speed and good hands. Well, I’m sold. But really, Stills is great when it comes to beating out fast corners while tracking the ball. Meaning that Cutler would have another deep threat target. Stills has excellent footwork, and in combination with his knowledge of routes, he could make an impact from day one. My favorite parts about watching Stills plays is that he seems to enjoy blocking, which I think is a great quality to get in wide receivers. Not only that, but his ability to get physical after the catch is outstanding.

Some critics have said he needs to learn how to play all four quarters. If he plays for the Bears, Trestman won’t be playing him the entire game, and he will have to learn to make the most out of the time that he plays. Stills has had some run-ins with the law, but maybe having a “brotherhood” atmosphere with Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett around, he might get his act together.

Will Phil Emery choose to pick a wide receiver in the 2013 NFL Draft after picking one in the 2012 NFL Draft? Is Kenny Stills the guy the Bears need to help win more games? What do you guys think?

Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has shown fans that he can be a capable No. 2 next to Brandon Marshall.  Injuries have slowed him down a bit this season, but so far he has racked up 19 catches for 256 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.  His three TDs put him in a tie for first among all NFC rookies.  Thanks to the 2012 Pepsi MAX NFL Rookie of the Week program, I was able to have a short phone conversation with Jeffery to discuss his first season, the coaching staff, and what it takes to play in the NFL.

Jeffery started out his athletic career in winning fashion, playing basketball for Calhoun County High School in South Carolina.  His team won the state championship his freshman year, before he ever stepped onto a football field.  However, as a sophomore, he tried football after watching his older brothers play.  Despite winning three more state championships in basketball, he knew football was his sport.  He stuck with it for three years at the University of South Carolina and was drafted by the Chicago Bears this offseason.  The rest is history.

Since joining the Bears, he has had his share of adversity, dealing with two injuries that have kept him out of six entire games and parts of two others.  He said that one of the most difficult things about transitioning to the NFL was the amount of focus and work ethic needed to succeed.  Wide receivers Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester and Earl Bennett have taught him a lot about what it takes to make it in the NFL.

One thing that impressed me the most about Jeffery was, what some people might perceive as cockiness, came off as an extreme confidence in himself and his abilities.  When asked if any defensive backs gave him big problems this season, he couldn’t think of any on the spot.  However, when asked if there were any aspects of his game that he wanted to improve, he said, “Everything.”

Bears fans have a lot to look forward to if Jeffery, Marshall and Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler, stay healthy.  These three guys are developing chemistry that continues to improve every time they are on the field together.  Jeffery had nothing but positive things to say about Cutler.  He described him as the leader of the offense.

And if Jeffery has any reservations about head coach Lovie Smith or offensive coordinator Mike Tice, you wouldn’t know it from talking to him.  He really appreciates and respects Lovie for his strong motivation in the locker room.  When asked about Tice being responsible for a Bears offense that ranks 28^th in yards per game, Jeffery was quick to point out that not just one person is responsible.  He said that every guy, from the coach to quarterback to the receivers, is accountable, and everyone on the team has things they can improve.

Jeffery also isn’t one of those NFL players who is out at the club all night, every night.  He spends a lot of his free time relaxing at home.  That being said, when it’s time to work, he’s ready.  When asked if he had any regrets from his rookie season, he said that with each day, he is just constantly trying to get better.

As for this weekend’s game against the Green Bay Packers, Jeffery said that he doesn’t care who’s guarding him, he just wants to win.  This will be his second time playing the Packers this season.  He had a season low one catch for seven yards in Green Bay during Week 2.

Jeffery assured me that his hand and knee are getting better each day.  He did drop a few balls last Sunday, but ended the game with three catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.  Not too shabby for his first full game since Week 5.  He will need to be as close to healthy and ready to help out the Bears offense against the Packers.  When asked what he was expecting this weekend, he said, “It’s gonna be dogfight.  It’s gonna be a big one.”

With the NFC North division title and a playoff spot on the line, you bet your Martz it will.

*Don’t forget to check out the 2012 Pepsi MAX NFL Rookie of the Week program at www.NFL.com/rookies and vote between Tuesday 8am CT and Friday 2pm CT for Alshon Jeffery each week he is nominated.  Also, check out this Funny or Die video featuring RGIII and other NFL rookies.*

*You can follow Alshon Jeffery on Twitter @AJJeffery1.*

Sep 23, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kahlil Bell (32) runs during the second quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

It was back to work at Halas Hall on Monday morning for most Chicago Bears following a 4-day weekend on their bye.  I say most Bears because running back Kahlil Bell was cut to make room for tight end Brody Eldridge. (more…)

Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) scores a 10-yard touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis (27) cannot stop him in the fourth quarter of their game at EverBank Field. The Bears won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

According to various reports, Alshon Jeffery has a fracture in his hand and will miss 4-6 weeks.  Jeffery seemed to be holding his hand throughout most of the game, and he didn’t return after he scored on a 10 yard touchdown catch on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Jeffery leads all rookie receivers in yards per reception and is tied for most TD rookie receptions with 2TD receptions.  Earl Bennett is suppose to return to lineup from his own hand injury against the Detroit Lions after the bye week on Monday Night Football.  It speaks a lot of the Bears depth that the Bears receivers will not miss a beat without Jeffery, yet it’s disappointing with the progress that Jeffery was showing in the starting lineup to miss time in his rookie season.

Neither Lovie Smith or Jay Cutler would comment about Jeffery during their press conference and show today, so it seemed that there was a chance that bad news would be given sometime today.  Get Well Soon Alshon, maybe get some healing tips from Matt Forte!

DA BEARS

Sep 09, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) runs the ball after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Chicago defeats Indianapolis 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE

This Sunday, the Chicago Bears (3-1) will face the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) down in Florida for the sixth meeting in their histories (Bears have won three).  Jaguar fans are known for avoiding EverBank Field at all costs, so expect to see a lot of the Bears faithful in attendance.

The last time the Bears and Jaguars were mentioned in the same sentence, Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew was calling Bears QB Jay Cutler a quitter via Twitter.  The two have brushed off the incident since, but you know the Bears defense wants to get a little payback for Jay.  The Monsters of the Midway already lead the league in takeaways (14), are second in stopping opponents from converting third down (73.9 percent of the time), are third in sacks (15), third in rushing yards allowed per game (67.3), and have only allowed one rushing touchdown all season.

After a big Monday night win, the Bears looked primed to stomp on a Jaguars team that is deprived both offensively and defensively.  They average a league low 254.3 yards per game and 15.5 points per game, while giving up 404.8 yards per game and 24.3 points per game.  That’s a recipe for disaster in my book.  Let’s take a look at how the rest of the matchup adds up.

1:  Number of times Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert has had a QB rating over 100.00 in 19 career games.  Also, the number of times Gabbert has thrown for over 225 yards in a game.

2:  Sacks by the entire Jaguars defense in 2012 (both came in Week 1).

2.5:  Sacks by Bears DE Israel Idonije in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

3:  Number of quarters that the Bears have been outscored by their opponents this season.

4:  Number of takeaways (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries) by the entire Jaguars defense in 2012.  Also, the number of takeaways by Bears CB Tim Jennings (four interceptions) in 2012.

6:  Number of AFC running backs that have rushed for over 100 yards in a game against the Bears since 1999.

9:  Number of times Cutler has compiled a perfect QB rating (158.3) in a single quarter, most recently in the third quarter on Monday night in Dallas when he went 8-for-8 for 133 yards and a touchdown.

10:  Number of red zone scores by the Bears (five touchdowns, five field goals) in 10 attempts this season.

11: Games since Devin Hester has had a kick or punt return for a touchdown.

39.2:  Percentage of Jaguars total yardage gained by RB Maurice Jones-Drew (435 out of 1109 total yards).

17-2:  Bears record when they score a defensive touchdown in a game since the 2005 season.

21-5:  Bears record when Robbie Gould makes three or more field goals since the 2005 season.

65.9:  Opposing quarterback’s QB rating when Major Wright and Chris Conte start at safety for the Bears (10 games, 181 of 296 for 2,632 yards, seven touchdowns and 19 interceptions).

164:  Receiving yards by Bears WR Alshon Jeffery this season, ranking him first among NFL rookie wide receivers.

Not much to say here other than, on paper, the Bears are far and away the better team.  That being said, this is the NFL and you never know what is going to happen week to week.  Look for Brandon Marshall and Jeffery to have big games, and the Bears secondary to be deflecting and intercepting passes left and right.  Cutler will finally get some long awaited payback on Jones-Drew.

While he may not make the sudden impact that A.J. Green did for the Bengals last season, Cutler still sees plenty of potential in the wideout.

“I don’t think we’re going to necessarily need that kind of production out of Alshon,” Cutler said Thursday on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000. “I think he’s fully capable of that kind of production, but we’ll pick and choose where we use him, what he’s best suited for. In the coming years I can see him being just a dominant force out there.”

Jeffery racked up 183 receptions for 3042 yards and 23 touchdowns during his career at South Carolina. While he struggled with injuries and weight issues at times, he showed enough to the Bears’ scouts to garner a 2nd-round draft pick.

Cutler and the Bears can only hope that he can reach the potential that so many saw in him after his phenomenal sophomore campaign.

“Alshon, he started a little bit slow but he’s come on very, very strong,” Cutler said. “Big guy. Does a lot of things naturally. You don’t have to coach him. He’s a born, natural receiver.”

Source: ESPN Chicago

I never anticipated my inaugural piece here at beargoggleson.com to be a collection of pithy, subjective training camp observations, but alas, here we are.

After an active offseason, in which the Bears seemingly added a bevy of new talent, the 2012 Chicago Bears were unveiled to the public this past week, and I witnessed them first-hand on Friday afternoon. I am far from a kool-aid drinker, but must admit, I was impressed with the talent new General manager Phil Emery has assembled, and look forward to this season with more anticipation than I can ever recall.

Without further ado, here’s my list of notes, where I spray to all fields.

• Brian Urlacher practiced with a brace on his left knee, but didn’t appear to be hobbled by the MCL sprain he suffered in the 2011 finale. Urlacher looked fluid in his drops, with good knee bend and quick change of direction. He was actually featured in a few zone blitz packages, but blitzing has never been Urlacher’s forte. I was encouraged by Urlacher’s movement on the field as he appears to be completely healthy heading into the season.

• Israel Idonije looked very thin. As I wrote about here, I have concerns about the depth at defensive tackle, and was happy to see Emery saw it the same way by acquiring Brian Price, in a low-risk, high-reward transaction.  I initially speculated that Idonije could be moved inside on passing downs, and spoke with John “Moon” Mullin about my theory after practice. Moon quickly shook his head “no”, saying Idonije reported to camp at 262 pounds. Look for Idonije to be utilized solely on the edge, spelled by rookie Shea McClellin.

• Tim Jennings was targeted and beat deep regularly. Much like last season, Jennings was susceptible to double moves, and was beat by Brandon Marshall on a deep out, and then by Earl Bennett on a wheel route. Visions of what Jordy Nelson, Titus Young, and other NFC North receivers might do to Jennings ran through my head. Jennings needs to improve, or Kelvin Hayden will take his job.

• Speaking of Marshall, he is as good as advertised. Big, strong, sudden, quick feet, no wasted movement, great body control, and the desire to attack the ball at its highest point. Marshall is easily the best offensive weapon I’ve seen in a Bears uniform since Sweetness himself. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch Marshall and Jay Cutler work this season, as Cutler looks his way often.

• New feel to the offense. New Offensive coordinator Mike Tice’s offense will look drastically different than what we saw from Mike Martz the past two seasons. The Bears will blend two offensive systems, Tice’s power running and vertical passing game with the roll-out/get the quarterback on the move offense we saw Cutler run in Denver with new quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates. The Bears took several snaps from the shotgun, rolled the quarterbacks out on bootlegs/nakeds/waggles, and ran a fair amount of no huddle plays. With the new personnel – particularly at wide receiver and running back – the up-tempo aspect of the no-huddle could really put a defense on its heels.

• Emphasis on vertical and seam routes with the tight ends. Tice likes to run the tight ends vertically to challenge the safeties. With a player like Marshall on the outside who commands safety attention and help over the top, the Bears could have some opportunities for big plays from the tight ends. But do they have enough talent at the position to capitalize? Paging, Kellen Davis.

• Speaking of tight ends, bubble player Kyle Adams stood out in 7-on-7 and during the team period. Adams ran with confidence over the middle of the field, catching every pass in his direction, typically in traffic with a trailing linebacker and a safety over the top. If Adams has a strong camp, he could push someone like fullback Tyler Clutts – as Tice’s offense typically doesn’t feature a traditional fullback – off the roster.

• Rookie Evan Rodriguez is an intriguing prospect. While he’s not built in the prototypical mold of a tight end, he has traits similar to Redskins tight end Chris Cooley. Rodriguez has sure hands, and is very slippery in the open field. His versatility to line-up as an F-back (fullback in an off-set I formation), H, and Y, makes him a player to keep an eye on in the pre-season. Tice would be wise to devise a small package of plays to get the ball to Rodriguez in the flats.

• Rookie Alshon Jeffery is a big target out there who catches everything near his body, and wasn’t afraid to go over the middle of the field. Jeffery will make an impact as a possession receiver and a red zone target, but he needs to work on his footwork at the top of the route tree. Jeffery is a long strider, who rounds off his routes. With a little bit of fine tuning, and a set package of plays, Jeffery could evolve into a nice compliment to Marshall.

• Running backs Matt Forte and Michael Bush are in great shape – especially Forte – and could form the best backfield in the NFL. Forte looked very quick and decisive with his cuts, showing no residual damage from the knee injury he suffered last season against the Chiefs. Bush looked strong and powerful in the open field, with great body lean, lowering his head at the sign of any wannabe tackler.

• Given the competition at left tackle between Chris Williams and J’Marcus Webb, the rest of the line from left to right was: Chris Spencer, Roberto Garza, Lance Louis, and Gabe Carimi. Carimi looks to have slimmed down a bit in the offseason. Equipped with a brace on his surgically repaired right knee, Carimi appeared to be running with a very slight limp on the field.  The focus will be on the left tackle “battle”, but Carimi should also be scrutinized, as he’s yet to prove himself at the NFL level.

Granted, it’s only July, and this team does have several question marks, in particular the secondary and both lines. But I have a level of comfort with Emery at the helm that I haven’t had in decades. Emery has been proactive in addressing needs, and mentioned he will never rest on improving the roster. With the talent to compete, the pressure is now squarely on the shoulders of Head coach Lovie Smith.

No excuses in 2012, Lovie.

Questions, comments, reactions? Follow me for interactions on Twitter @djdurkin

Today’s focus is on Dynasty and Keeper league rookie drafts, especially the huge shift in the first round of these drafts.  I’ve been in dynasty leagues for ten years now, and there have always been two constants in these drafts.  The first two picks are always running backs no matter how can’t miss a wide receiver has been, and the first QB taken will not happen in the first round, but generally around pick 15.

The running back pick is not where the shift is this season. Trent Richardson drafted by the Cleveland Browns and Doug Martin of the Tampa Bay Buccanneers went 1 & 2  in both drafts I participated in.  The big shift comes that in both leagues I had pick 8 and was expecting to get Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III and neither one was available by pick 8.  This was very disheartening for me in one league, because it was my draft strategy all along to pick one of these young QB’s because I only had  one QB on my roster. If you’re picking in the bottom of the first round and are looking to pick a QB you may need to make a trade to move up and guarantee one of the young guns on your roster, or you will be forced to chase down backups via the waiver wires or take Ryan Tannehill in a later round of the rookie draft.

Why the Qb shift? 1. Cam Newton exploded last season right out of the starting blocks.  All old school coaches would say it takes years to become great, but Ben Roethlisberger dispelled that notion, and then Cam destroyed that notion with his statistical prowess last season    2.  The big time talented  rookies went to bad situations.  Justin Blackmon went to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Blaine “I struggle to throw the forward pass” Gabbert as his QB.  Blackmon also didn’t do himself any favors with his DUI arrest.  David Wilson went the the NY Giants and gets to play behind Amhad Bradshaw, and Michael Floyd went to the Arizona Cardinals which could be good because he gets to start across from Larry Fitzgerald but he still doesn’t know who will be behind center and throwing them the pigskin  come opening day.

The highest drafted Bears rookie was naturally 2^ndround selection Alshon Jeffery. If you’re a homer and like picking Bears (I drafted Matt Forte in both leagues before his rookie season so I’m a homer too) Jeffrey average draft position has been 15.

May 11, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery runs a route during rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Two sleepers that went higher than expected. 1. WR Rueben Randle(average pick 18) of the New York Giants, he shot up when the news of Hakeem Nicks breaking his foot came out which coincided with the free agent departure of Mario Manningham 2. TE Coby Fleener (Average pick 9) usually tight ends get picked up in 2-3 round area code, but  being reunited with Luck seems to get everyone trigger happy when selecting him.

Here’s the average top 10 picks

1. Trent Richardson
2. Doug Martin
3. David Wilson
4. Justin Blackmon
5. Robert Griffin III
6. Michael Floyd
7. Andrew Luck
8. Lamar Miller
9. Coby Fleener
10. Brian Quick

Two deep sleepers that will be available late in your rookie draft will be Chris Polk undrafted free agent running back that Philadelphia Eagles signed, and A.J. Jenkins WR that was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.  Somebody has to back up LeSean McCoy, and Michael Crabtree could be out of San Fran after this season unless he has a super breakout year.  Both Polk and Jenkins will be there after pick 30 in your rookie draft.

Good luck in your drafts (they are  right around the corner),  and never let anyone ever out work you!