By Jordan Long
On Monday, the NFL announced that Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will be suspended, missing the next four games due to violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Jeffery is eligible to return to Chicago’s roster after the Bear’s game on December 11.
Jeffery is one of the Bear’s best wide receivers. He is playing on the franchise tag and could be a free agent once the season is over. Quarterback Jay Cutler is always throwing him the football because he rarely drops it. Those catches are for first downs or touchdowns. His speed and height makes it tough for defenders to bring him down. Jeffery has 40 receptions for 630 yards and 1 touchdown this season.
According to ESPN, Head Coach John Fox said, “I think the league contacted us and obviously talked to Alshon. Those conversations will stay between us, but we’re obviously very disappointed and we’ll treat it like an injury [absence] moving forward.”
The Bears have other receivers to replace Jeffery. One is Eddie Royal. Royal is just as fast as Jeffery. When Royal catches the football, he can make defenders miss for first downs or touchdowns. The only difference is the height. Royal is five inches shorter then Jeffery and it makes it difficult for him to out jump a cornerback for the football.
Cutler will also need to look for tight end Zach Miller. Miller has 425 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. Cutler must look for him more in the passing game. Cameron Meredith could see more time on the field because of his height at 6 foot 3 inches. He can leap over the opposing defenders to catch the football especially in the end zone .
The Bears mentality has to be “next man up.” They will miss Jeffery in the passing game. The Bears are a talented offense who can still produce points while Jeffery is out.
How will the Chicago Bears replace Alshon Jeffery?
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