Projecting the Chicago Bears Starting 11: Offense

Martellus Bennett, TE

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Another guy who has been a bit divisive among Bears fans, specifically for his offseason posturing for a new contract which involved him no-showing at OTAs, is the Black Unicorn himself — Martellus Bennett.  Some feel he should have been there to acclimate to the new coaching staff and new system; some feel he’s simply adhering to the business side of the NFL and the player’s credo to get paid while he can.  What isn’t up for debate about Bennett is that he’s a big cat who serves as a dangerous pass-catching option in the Bears offense.

Bennett has hauled in 155 passes in his first two years in a Bear uniform, including an impressive 90 last year for 916 yards and 6 TDs.  That output was enough to land him in the Pro Bowl last year, the first time Bennett has made the trip to Honolulu on the NFL’s dime.  Marty was the third-most targeted receiving option in the Bears offense in 2014 at 128, behind only Alshon (145) and Forte (130).  That illustrates clearly the comfort Jay Cutler has in the big TE, and how important he is to the offense.

Regardless of where you fall in the debate over whether players should honor their contract or if they have every right to request more when their market value exceeds what they’re being paid, the numbers illustrate that we have a beast at the TE position.  Plus, for what it’s worth, he did show up for the mandatory mini-camp.  When he’s showing up on the stat sheet this fall, all will be forgiven.  And maybe the Bears give him a raise and keep him around for a while longer.

Next: Wide Receiver Armory