The Chicago Bears wide receivers know they’re under the microscope in 2017. With three new quarterbacks on the roster, it’s more vital than ever for them to perform at a high level. That can bring a lot of pressure. In such situations it’s the coaches’ jobs to keep them loose and motivated. No easy task given how different the personalities can be.
Of course the poster child of this is Kevin White. The former first round pick is fighting a war on multiple fronts. He’s expected to fill a larger role now that Alshon Jeffery is gone. His health remains a constant concern after missing all but four games his first two years with leg injuries. His confidence is low. How do the Bears cope with that?
Well one way new Bears receiving coach Zach Azzanni is trying out is stoking his competitiveness. Every professional athlete has an ego and believe they’re the best. Why not find a creative, and friendly way to fuel that drive?
Chicago Bears wide receivers are battling for plastic army men
The last thing football fans would ever think is that fully grown, testosterone-fueled men would get a thrill out of receiving a plastic toy army soldier. Turns out Azzanni found a way to make that work. When talking with Chris Boden of CSN Chicago, he explained how he uses it to push his players in practice. In a short time it’s taken on a life of its own.
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“Yeah, I give out those little green army guys. I give out one of those a day for our soldier of the day. And it doesn’t have to mean making 18 catches. And you know what’s funny? We go into those meetings and guys are like, `Who’s got the Soldier of the Day?’ Cuz they wanna line `em up on their desk. I mean, these guys are still kids playing this game. And we’ve got to make it fun, too. I’ll let everyone else stress out about it, but we’re gonna have some fun in there but also teach these guys how to respect this game, how to play it with a hard edge and make people change the way they think about NFL wideouts.”
I had to ask. Is this coming out of his personal childhood collection?
“No it’s just Amazon. Ten bucks (for a 144 pack)…I don’t get paid what they get paid.”
One should at least give credit for Azzanni for his creativity. The Bears went looking for a new receivers coach during the offseason after shuffling their staff. Word is multiple sources recommended the former Tennessee assistant. True results from his work won’t come to light until the regular season. Nonetheless it’s clear he’s found a way to get his troops up each morning to give their best.
In the end that is the fundamental responsibility of any good coach.
