gilthorp Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Just a little article here. Since camp is only a few days old, the early reports have Gage/Berrian fighting it out as the #2 at this point in time. Funny how Wade's name isn't mentioned...he may be on the bubble with Berlin when it's all said and done. By K.C. Johnson Tribune staff reporter July 26, 2005, 9:52 PM CDT BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- The Moose is loose, with free-agent signee Muhsin Muhammad's skill and professionalism as evident thus far in Bears training camp as his reigning Pro Bowl status would suggest. But there's also a need for speed, which could make the battle for the No. 2 wideout an intriguing one to monitor. Third-year receiver Justin Gage has been taking most of the snaps with the No. 1 offense and, at 6 feet, 4 inches, represents a big target for quarterback Rex Grossman. Bernard Berrian is a faster option, though. He had three of the Bears' eight longest receptions as a rookie last season, when a long pass from a stagnant offense practically merited a parade. "Every team needs a speed guy to stretch the field," Berrian said. "It opens up the run game and the passing game. Right now, me and Justin are fighting for that position. It's up to the coaches and it will be established by our play." Ask Berrian a question and you will get a short, confident answer. His reason for only posting a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash? He's bad at starts and faster than that time would indicate. His chances to win the No. 2 spot? They're strong. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner's system will try to spread the ball around, which is why rookie Mark Bradley could be in the mix as well. But the system also wants to establish a running game, and the surest path to that is a speed receiver. "You don't have to be the fastest guy in the world to be able to stretch the field, but you have to have great technique and you have to make plays when you get the opportunity," wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said. "Bernard has the speed to stretch the field. Justin is the guy who is going to go up in the crowd and make plays. Both of them give us something different. We need both of them to perform." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Gage had a really bad year last year... I don't know if it was lack of time, or lack of a QB. I have my doubts that there are going to be enough big balls in Chicago to make either Gage or Berrian worthy of a pre-kicker draft pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilthorp Posted July 27, 2005 Author Share Posted July 27, 2005 Gage had a really bad year last year... I don't know if it was lack of time, or lack of a QB. I have my doubts that there are going to be enough big balls in Chicago to make either Gage or Berrian worthy of a pre-kicker draft pick. 897468[/snapback] Me too. Although for those deep keeper leagues, they both may provide a bit of value with this offense...the only direction it can go is up. I'm going to try to make it down to camp at some point...I'm interested in seeing how Bradley looks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chavez Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 I was listening to Daryl (Darrell?) Drake (Bears WR coach) on the Score on Thursday, and he basically backed up everything in that article - Moose is being a consummate pro, and the #2 job is Gage's to lose, but Drake DID say it's Berrian's job to go take the #2 from Gage. Sounds like it may merit watching, but I've got Muhammad projected in the 70 catches, <1000 yds, 6 td range and I doubt the #2 will be much better than 45-600-4. I know Turner was coaching the Illini for a while, but what is his pedigree before that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 I know Turner was coaching the Illini for a while, but what is his pedigree before that? 902717[/snapback] Decent #'s w/ Kramer. He's like .500 w/l, w/ Da Bears (3years). I did say DECENT! Not great. Turner is the best OC out there, as far as the Bears are concerned. I think he'll do well. Time will tell! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ts Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 (edited) Sounds like it may merit watching, but I've got Muhammad projected in the 70 catches, <1000 yds, 6 td range and I doubt the #2 will be much better than 45-600-4. 902717[/snapback] ...so, you are predicting an increase in overall Bear passing TDs from 9 last year to 10 this year, assuming that TD catches by CHI RB's (0) remain constant? Woohoo! Probably not that far off, though. Edited July 30, 2005 by ts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chavez Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 Hey, I'd eyeball it at 15 or so - nearly a touchdown a game through the air! (given that Grossman stays healthy). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 ...so, you are predicting an increase in overall Bear passing TDs from 9 last year to 10 this year, assuming that TD catches by CHI RB's (0) remain constant? Woohoo! Probably not that far off, though. 902765[/snapback] Hey, I'd eyeball it at 15 or so - nearly a touchdown a game through the air! (given that Grossman stays healthy). 902767[/snapback] :sigh: It IS a wait and see gentlemen! Who doesn't have high hopes in the preseason? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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