Following a solid rookie campaign in 2018, Bears receiver Anthony Miller believed that he was primed for a breakout season in his second year. But it was clear from the start of the 2019 season that the Bears didn’t think Miller was ready.
Miller didn’t see a ton of action in the first nine games of the season, catching only 17 passes. It was a wake-up call for Miller, who didn’t appear to be a part of the Bears’ offensive plans.
“I just don’t think from a maturity standpoint, a preparation standpoint, that Anthony probably was 100% all in,” Bears receivers coach Mike Furrey told reporters last week. “I think he still had that college mentality that ability was going to be able to allow him overcome whatever he wanted to overcome in games. Talent can only get you so far when you get to the pros. You got to start learning the details of what you’re supposed to do, the quarterback’s got to trust where you’re supposed to be. I just think he was really lacking in those areas.
“You go back to that Packers game sitting there thinking one of our best players isn’t on the field. The reason why is because you can’t trust him. I think that light went off for Anthony toward the latter half of the season.”
But after that light went off, Miller was a completely different player — from a mentality standpoint that translated into impressive on-field production. In a five-game stretch from Weeks 11-15, Miller totaled 33 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns in Weeks 11-15. He finished the year with 52 receptions for 656 yards and two scores.
With Miller entering Year 3, Furrey is confident that he can finally put it all together from the start to the finish of the season.
“It’s just his continuing growth to understand what it takes off the field and how he’s got to prepare during the week to be successful and allow these things to happen during the game,” Furrey said. “I really believe he’s learned it.
“From a maturity standpoint, from a development standpoint of being a pro, those are the things he’s working on. This is the first year I can actually can sense there’s an intent there. He gets it.
“He’s a heck of a football player.”
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