Chicago Bears Anthony Miller 2017 Review: Week 5
In part four of our Anthony Miller 2017 season review, we dive into a big performance against UConn
We are onto part four of our extensive Anthony Miller 2017 season review. Part one saw a huge game against UCLA, and part two saw a sub-par performance against Southern Illinois. After another below average game against UCF in part three, Miller was in for a bounce back.
He got one.
Week Five
Anthony Miller put up 15 receptions for 224 yards and four touchdowns. Right. Early in the game, Memphis was able to get Miller involved and from there it was on.
On a third and nine, Riley Ferguson faded back and launched a pass that only Miller could catch. Miller was able to get his hand out, make the one-handed grab, and keep his balance upfield to get enough for the first down.
This would be a good time to mention that despite his height, Miller does have 10″ hands and has been known for the occasional one hander.
The team really keyed in on getting him the ball in space in this game. Anthony Miller had eight receptions that were caught within two yards of the line of scrimmage. He turned out 75 yards.
The play below was some of the more shifty moves we have seen from Miller in terms of hip fluidity.
Miller finished the day with 101 total yards after the catch. However, he did finish one of his scampers with a fumble that was luckily recovered by his own team.
Still, those quick hitters were keeping defenses honest and gave Miller the ability to get down the field, which he did to the tune of those four touchdowns. Two of which were nearly identical.
Both were back shoulder throws where Miller was able to completely turn his body and show balance, as well as understanding of where the sideline is to get both feet down while hauling in impressive catches.
One of our questions over the first four weeks were catches in traffic. He is proving his well-rounded ability in Week Five.
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Anthony Miller was also able to get deep down the field for two touchdowns as well. He got inside leverage on a post route and was hit in the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown.
In the play below, Ferguson was able to connect on a 33-yard strike that once again showed Miller having the ability to concentrate and make the completion with hands in his face.
The body control in itself is impressive, but the “my ball” mentality is what was needed from Miller here and is what won the play.
Riley Ferguson was 15-17 targeting Miller, and while most were close to the line, he was 3-3 targeting Miller 20 yards down the field in this game.
Usage
It was mentioned in week two, and while Memphis is now 0-1 in pass attempts and 0-2 in overall tries to get Miller motioning across the line as the ball is snapped to get him the ball in space.
The video starts late but Miller is moving from the right flex spot, similar to week two. While Memphis has yet to harness it, you know Matt Nagy is interested in getting Miller the ball in space in this manner.
Overall this was a huge day for Miller. The consistency of his hands was one of the bigger concerns coming into this game. He responded by making some of the tougher catches that he has all season. It was an elite day after the catch and the definition of a slump buster.
Routes:
Screens: 16-20, 137 yards
Curls: 2-4, 17 yards
Post: 5-7, 146 yards 1 TD
Go: 5-11, 97 yards, 5 TDs
In: 2-2, 24 yards, 1 TD
Cross: 2-4, 18 yards
Slant: 2-5, 57 yards
Comeback: 1-2 10 yards
Out: 0-2
249 yards after the catch