Look back over Chicago Bears history and it is almost impossible to find great wide receiver groups. Willie Gault and Dennis McKinnon were solid but nothing special. Curtis Conway and Jeff Graham had a couple of strong years together. Probably the best group was Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Earl Bennett in 2013 and 2014. It is difficult to pinpoint why the organization struggles so much in this area. Part of it is terrible evaluation, another is bad quarterback play, and one can’t forget injuries. However, this 2024 has a chance to become special, at least in the eyes of Steve Smith Sr.
The former All-Pro receiver for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens was one of the best of his era in the 2000s. Since retiring, he has built an excellent reputation for identifying wide receiver talent coming out of college. He believes the Bears have built one of the most interesting trios in the NFL. They already had two stalwarts in D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. Then they added another dawg in Rome Odunze. What stands out to Smith is how all three men play like alphas on the field. That should lead to a heated competition to see who can make the most plays every Sunday.
Not only will it help Odunze get better, but it will also make the Bears much harder to stop.
Steve Smith Sr. knows this type of situation well.
He’s played in it before. His teams had the most success when he had other guys on the roster fighting for the ball. First, it was Muhsin Muhammad in Carolina, then Greg Olsen, and then it became Torrey Smith in Baltimore. What the Bears have put together is far above anything Smith experienced. That would explain why he is so excited about the possibilities. If Moore, Allen, and Odunze continue exuding the “my ball” mentality they have in previous seasons, the battle for Caleb Williams’ attention will be fierce. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will have a tough time juggling targets for them.
This is a great problem to have, and Steve Smith knows it. Competition brings out the best in guys, and their fight for the ball will only make Williams’ life easier. If the passing game can produce at a higher level and the defense remains strong, this could be a playoff team. It comes down to health and how much Williams can learn about reading NFL defenses in a short period of time. Then again, it’s not like that trio will have a hard time giving him open looks.
Coming from the guy who said Odunze will be a bust. Smith is a dumbass.
What would have Steve Smith Sr. done to Chase Claypool and his act in Chicago?
@jmscooby You’re right. I forgot the circumstances. I think he was a no show at a football camp. The teammate paid for plane tickets, and because Smith didn’t show, asked for his money back.
Geno got his jaw broke.
@jmscooby and @TGena Geno Smith punched out a teammate when he was with the Jets too. I’m glad he’s matured. TGena, you make a good case for Smith “coming back from the edge.” All you guys have played football and team sports, which I couldn’t do. I just could never deal with people who just were self-absorbed, self-focused and blew up potentially winning situations. On the other hand, I also couldn’t deal with coaches, managers, people who couldn’t control their stars, or get everyone on the same page or get more out of “everyone else.” Smith was always someone I… Read more »