Berrian could start for the Bears

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, June 13, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears' offensive struggles in recent years have been well-documented. However, the root of the problem has been the quarterback play, which has suffered tremendously from the inability of the wide receivers to make plays. In order to help this deficiency last offseason, the Bears lured former Pro Bowl receiver Muhsin Muhammad away from the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately, one good wideout isn't enough. For the offense to become respectable this season, they will need a solid number 2 receiver to step up. That guy could be former third-round pick Bernard Berrian.

The former Fresno State Bulldog is tall and lanky (6-1, 180 pounds), and has loads of potential. He hasn't been on the field enough to put up gaudy numbers or gain the notice of fans. But sooner rather than later, he could make a name for himself.

With receiver Mark Bradley returning to action from a torn ACL, it's likely that Berrian will enter training camp as the starter opposite Muhammad. There have been questions about his toughness and make-up, but at the end of last season he came on strong, assuaging some of the concerns his doubters had.

His peripheral or secondary stats help to indicate the rising talent could be in store for a breakout season. In his two seasons in the league he has an exceptional 16.8 yards per reception, including a gaudy 18.9 average last season. Add in the fact that he has game-breaking speed, is an excellent route runner, gets off the line well, and has great leaping ability; there is no reason to believe he cannot turn into a high-quality No. 2 receiver. While at Fresno St. he was the definition of a play-maker, a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He has even shown in limited touches in the NFL that he makes plays. He only has 28 receptions in two seasons, but has parlayed those grabs into 471 yards and two touchdowns.

In order to utilize his first-rate speed, the Bears used Berrian out of the backfield and on reverses last year. He recorded a 37-yard run. Of course, part of that was to help jump start an anemic offense. The Bears did have a great running game, thanks to their superior offensive line, led by All-Pro tackle Jon Tait.

If Berrian can continue to display his uncanny ability to make big plays, he will not only keep the No. 2 receiver spot, but will also help guide the Chicago Bears' offense to respectability and, in turn, make himself a household name.

Get more Bernard Berrian insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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