For the last several seasons, Jay Cutler and the Bears passing offense have struggled with receivers who were never short on speed (Devin Hester, Johnny Knox) but were definitely short on ability with their length (Devin Aromashodu, Roy Williams).
That's no longer the case.
Besides the trade for Brandon Marshall (6'4), the Bears invested in a No. 2 draft choice in another tall (6'3) receiver in Alshon Jeffery, who was impressive during this weekends rookie minicamp. In the mind of receivers coach Darryl Drake, a balance of speed and size has indeed been struck.
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Weve got two giraffes outside and some cheetahs inside, Drake said. So Im looking forward to it, looking forward to those guys doing things theyre capable of.
Some success was achieved in building the team on Cutler the past couple of seasons. The reasoning was that Cutler was of sufficient quality as to make the receivers better, which he did over a stretch of 19 wins in the 28 games (including playoffs) prior to his broken thumb in last seasons San Diego game.
Now the team is being built around Cutler in the forms of a No. 1 pick on a tackle last year (Gabe Carimi), Marshall and Jeffery.
Now it is the receivers turn to make the quarterback better.
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One thing about guys with that kind of ability and size, the ball doesnt always have to be perfect, Drake said. Jay doesnt have to put the ball right there; he can put it up in the air and we have guys with the ability to go up and get it.
That makes a difference.