Between Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte, the Chicago Bears have a very nice array of weapons for quarterback Jay Cutler to throw to. With all of the attention expected to be spent on the players mentioned above, WR Eddie Royal should have a great opportunity to make a difference for the Bears out of the slot.
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The Bears signed Royal to a three-year, $15 million free-agent contract this off season. The 29-year-old Royal has made a nice career out of being a quick and pesky slot receiver who can do some serious damage in the middle of the field.
Royal’s best season was probably as a rookie when he brought in 91 receptions for 980 yards and five touchdowns for the Denver Broncos. His production was limited the next three seasons in Denver, but Royal emerged as a great option in the slot for the San Diego Chargers the past three seasons.
In fact, the last two seasons combined Royal has 109 receptions for 1,409 and 15 touchdowns. He has been arguably the most consistent receiver for Phillip Rivers over the last two years, and has emerged into one of the premier slot receivers in the entire NFL.
Royal is not the only fresh face on the Bears this year. Under new head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, expect this Bears’ team to look a lot different.
Oct 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase talks with head coach John Fox prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Together with the Broncos the past two seasons, Gase and Fox led a very high-powered offensive attack. Obviously, Peyton Manning had something to do with their success, but Gase in particular is a very impressive offensive mind who will put the Bears’ players in a position to succeed.
Offensively, Royal is one of the players best set to capitalize on the new coaching staff. Royal’s ability in the slot reminds me of a player who had a lot of success under Gase, wide receiver Wes Welker.
May 27, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver
Eddie Royal(19) during organized team activities at the Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Welker’s body let him down last season, but he was a major part in the Broncos’ record setting 2013 offense. Under Gase’s guidance that season, Welker hauled in 73 receptions for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gase did an incredible job of using Welker’s quickness and natural route running ability to get him open in the underneath route.
That season, Welker always seemed to be open for Manning. Gase used natural pick plays that allowed Welker to use his skills to make plays. Royal has just as much quickness as Welker, and the big-bodied outside receivers like Jeffery and White can be huge weapons on the pick plays.
Gase knows how to run an offense, and he certainly knows how to set-up a slot receiver for success. Royal is a very quick and smart receiver who simply has a knack for getting open. Under the guidance of Gase, he has an opportunity to make a huge difference in the Bears’ offense this season.
I fully expect big things out of Eddie Royal as the Bears’ slot receiver in 2015.