Bears Deliberately Kept Anthony Miller Off The Field Early In 2019
The Chicago Bears offense was frustrating to watch in 2019. Anybody with eyes will say that. Most fans will point either to the erratic quarterback play of Mitch Trubisky or the horrific run blocking of the offensive line as primary issues. However, certain coaches aren’t letting other positions off the hook. Anthony Miller is a perfect example.
While fans were anxious to see the 2nd round pick build on his promising rookie year in 2018, they didn’t know that the coaches were fuming over him behind the scenes. Not because of any off the field issues. It was more about his unwillingness to embrace the intricacies of his position.
Adam Jahns reported that wide receivers coach Mike Furrey told him that the team basically lowered the number of offensive snaps Miller played early in 2019. Not by accident. It was very much on purpose. Not out of pettiness. It was a simple case of they didn’t feel he was a reliable option at that point.
“As we all know, as you guys have all seen, talent can only get you so far when you get to the pros. You’ve got to start learning the details of what you’re supposed to do, the quarterback’s got to trust you’ll be where you’re supposed to be, so I just think he was really lacking in those areas.
“He wasn’t on the field a lot. Obviously in the Packers game (the season opener), you go back and we’re watching the Packers game sitting there thinking, ‘One of our best players is not on the field, and the reason why is because you can’t trust him.’”
Anthony Miller clearly got the message after that
Through the first three games, Miller played a total of 78 offensive snaps. He had two catches for 17 yards. Not until Week 4 against the Vikings did he finally crack the 40-snap barrier in a game. Yet the trend of him not being a primary part of the offense continued. How significant was it? Well in 2018, Miller cracked 50 snaps in a game for the first time in mid-October against the Patriots.
Last season? That didn’t happen until November 17th against the Rams in Los Angeles. The Bears sent a message to their young receiver and it was received loud and clear. From that point on, he became a primary part of the offense with 438 yards and two touchdowns. Furrey has said his attention to detail and work ethic has greatly improved ever since.
Was that the right call? Miller’s absence certainly seemed to affect the passing game early in 2019. Maybe the Bears could’ve found a different method to get his attention. Then again, they got the desired results. That is what matters.