Will This Lethargic Receiver Be Our Saving Grace?

by Shea Johnson on Thursday 19 March 2009 at 2:32 pm

As Kyle Orton labored through an inconsistent, mediocre campaign in 2008 — 24 quarterbacks finished with a better passer rating — most of Bears nation was left to wonder where the wide receiver help was hiding.

While most of the hidden talent took the field every game, one said wide receiver was actually ineffective only from the sidelines. 2008 third-round pick Earl Bennett managed to not make the 53-man roster but ten times in his rookie year, recording two special teams tackles, returning a punt, but catching nil. Well, at least now, we know why.

“I struggled [learning] the plays last year. I was lethargic because of it. It probably took me until Week 6, Week 7 to pick them up.”

I suppose it’s not uncommon for there to be a learning curve for rookie NFLers — especially skill position players — but six, seven weeks into the NFL season? That’s like, five months to get a grasp of the playbook. Matt Forte didn’t seem to have any problems rushing for 1,200-plus yards as a rookie.

The positive thing here, and there is one, is that Bennett seems to be coming along now. Let’s just hope he overcomes his bout with apathy, and refuses to follow the precedent set by management and the coaching staff.