Can Chicago Bears get outside wide receivers involved?
The Chicago Bears wide receivers have yet to make an impact. How can they get going?
The Chicago Bears are now 1-1 in the Mitchell Trubisky era and are 2-2 in their last four games. However, with the improved upside of this offense, it has yet to show in terms of scoring points and finding consistency in the offense.
Sure, a lot of that has to do with the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens, two elite defenses being on the other side of the field. However, it also has to do with the limited play that this team is getting from its outside wide receivers.
Tre McBride has started two games but has one catch for 18 yards on two targets. He did catch another 22-yard pass that was called back due to a penalty, but it is safe to say he has yet to establish himself through his first two career NFL starts. After a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, an injury to Markus Wheaton gave Tanner Gentry the first start of his career. It was even less eventful than McBride, as Gentry put up zero catches on a target.
The Bears outside receivers are not putting fear into anyone. However, by completely avoiding them, it is limiting the ceiling of the offense, and condensing everything for the defense. These are young wide receivers. They are going to make mistakes, but the Bears have to give them these chances. The threat that they will go to these players down the field can open up the offense, whether they are making plays or not. Still, by throwing it out there, you are giving them that chance to make the play.
The Panthers are another stingy defense, but one that is easier to pass against than run against. The Bears need to take a few chances to these wide receivers and see if it can open up the defense, and give them a chance to find rushing success in turn.