NEWSLETTER
Heads up, Anthony Miller.
Your position coach has put you on notice.
Because if rampant trade rumors and the addition of new receivers by way of free agency and the NFL Draft weren’t enough, the messaging from WR Coach Mike Furrey should do the trick:
#Bears WR coach Mike Furrey said Anthony Miller has been engaged in meetings. He said he believes Miller is maturing but will believe it when he sees action.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) May 12, 2021
Bears WR coach Mike Furrey says Anthony Miller has been present: “He’s doing his job. He’s growing up. He’s maturing. No issues.”
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) May 12, 2021
We’re only five months into the 2021 calendar year, and it’s been an adventure for Miller. Heck, I’d venture to say it’s been “rough” when it comes to discussing his status with the Bears.
It began with his ejection during Chicago’s playoff loss to New Orleans, in which he threw hands at known agitator Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Not only did the untimely ejection come in a postseason game, it occurred when the team was already short-handed at the position. Even Bears Chairman George McCaskey’s comments about Miller in the wake of that moment raised question’s about Miller’s status with the team. Since then, the Bears have openly shopped him on the market, added free agents Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd, and drafted Dazz Newsome. Lump in fellow returnees Riley Ridley and Javon Wims, and the competition at receiver looks as fierce as ever.
And for what it’s worth, it looks like Miller is up for the challenge:
https://twitter.com/AnthonyMiller_3/status/1392899619823267840
Miller’s time with the Bears has been an up-and-down experience. Three years into his career, and the 2018 second-round pick has yet to find consistency in his game. Untimely drops have plagued him. And there have been instances in which his route-running hasn’t been as sharp as it needed to be. But Miller is a gifted talent who shows flashes of brilliance in moments from time-to-time. And this receivers room isn’t good enough to just be giving up on people. So maybe the right move is to give him another chance in the final year of his rookie deal.
Perhaps a clean slate and new quarterback in tow will allow Miller to have his best season as a pro. If not, then it’s not like there aren’t other in-house options. Let the games begin and may competition unearth the best receivers room possible.
