NEWSLETTER
Mitch Trubisky captivated a Thanksgiving audience with an array of throws Bears fans hadn’t seen all year. But it wouldn’t have been possible without Anthony Miller.
The second-year receiver from Memphis had a breakout game worth highlighting.
Last Thursday, Miller caught nine passes for 140 yards. And while he didn’t get into the end zone, he did help make plays that moved the chains on drives that eventually put points on the board.
Over the last three weeks, Miller has caught 21 passes for 271 yards. And because Allen Robinson and David Montgomery will likely garner a bulk of the attention from the Cowboys defense later tonight, Miller could be lined up for another breakout game.
At minimum, Miller is feeling the good vibes:
Anthony Miller on his confidence: “It’s always to the roof, man. I feel like I’m always open and I can always make the play, always make the catch. So my confidence is always up there.” #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 1, 2019
Miller’s confidence is on another level right now, and I can see why. Pro Football Focus handed Miller the third best grade of Bears offensive players last week. Miller’s 86.5 grade was bested by only David Montgomery and Mitch Trubisky, who had matching 87.4 marks.
So how did Miller get there? Let’s start with the route-running displayed in this Austin Gayle package of clips:
Anthony Miller showed out today, very impressed with how he handled man coverage from Justin Coleman in the slot. pic.twitter.com/dBLf3nORvr
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) November 29, 2019
Yes, Trubisky did a good job of recognizing Miller beating the defender in man-to-man coverage. But Miller’s strengths as a route runner, athleticism, and skill in his ability to have bursts in small spaces stand out.
This is what it is supposed to look like when a player working the slot has short-area bursts and sharp route-running skills. Poor Justin Coleman had no defense for anything on the route tree. And frankly, a good chunk of nickel corners don’t. That is why the Bears should take full advantage of Miller’s skill set by throwing over the top and on out routes that allow the receiver to max out on what he does best. Or in other words, I am imploring the Bears to put their most talented players in a position to be successful.
If Miller continues to get those opportunities, routes like these will be available moving forward when they weren’t before:
D-I-M-E!@Mtrubisky | @AnthonyMiller_3 pic.twitter.com/sxpOG9urh4
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 28, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5c7OmKADVF/
Vertical routes run out from the slot are fun. And while we have seen Taylor Gabriel pull this off in the past, these routes should also be available for Miller (especially while Gabriel is out). And since Miller has shown flashes that he can run a variety of routes from different spots on the field, the Bears should extend the leash and give him some more freedom to do it this week and in the coming games.
To be clear, Miller is still a work in progress. The inconsistencies that come with most young receivers still show up from time to time. Miller can be even sharper with his routes, and some of the post-play extra-curricular stuff could be cleaned up, too. Remember, the Bears were unable to substitute a heavy goal-line package quickly enough on 1st-and-goal from the 2 because Miller was caught up celebrating his big catch. Not that I have issues with celebrating big plays, it’s just that there is a time and place for them … and that wasn’t the time, nor the place.
In the end, there is a unique opportunity at Miller’s feet starting tonight. It is up to him to make the most of it.
