Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2016 8:24:34 GMT -6
Eddie Royal's return a jewel for Bears passing game
Rich Campbell Contact Reporter Chicago Tribune
Alshon Jeffery was showcasing his potential as one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers Sunday against the Texans when he noticed their secondary make an adjustment.
It was one play after his 54-yard catch late in the first half. The Texans called time out just before the snap, but both teams began to play before they heard the whistle and stopped.
Jeffery saw safety Quintin Demps favoring his side. Double coverage near the sideline would leave the middle of the field vacant for Eddie Royal. Jeffery reported back to quarterback Jay Cutler.
"He came in the huddle and said, 'Hey, they're going to roll over the top of me,'" Cutler recalled. "'Eddie, you should get this touchdown here.'"
Sure enough, the Bears broke the huddle in a similar formation. Demps doubled Jeffery, and Royal beat his man on a post route against single coverage.
"As soon as I turned and I saw Jay, I thought touchdown," Royal said. "Then, just hold on to the ball."
The score was a nice welcome back for Royal, who missed all four exhibition games because of a concussion. The veteran slot receiver finished the game with four receptions for 57 yards, proving he can help the Bears' passing game stay afloat while top prospect Kevin White works through his growing pains.
Knee and ankle injuries limited him to nine games last season. But he's healthy now and equaled his touchdown total from a year ago in the first half of Week 1. That's reassuring for the organization more than a year after guaranteeing Royal $10 million as part of a three-year free-agent deal.
Cutler appreciates it as he tries to steady an offense that has a reshuffled line, a retooled backfield and a receiver in White who still is developing.
"Eddie can play outside, he can play inside," Cutler said. "He's a savvy vet. I'm comfortable with him. He is one of the best route runners on the outside in the league, and he's a smart football player. You can kind of move him around and he's going to get the job done."
Royal also took over the punt returning job in Week 1. This coaching staff is familiar with his ability because they had him with the Broncos earlier this decade.
Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers wasn't surprised when Royal — helped by blockers Chris Prosinski, Josh Bellamy and DeAndre Houston-Carson — captured the edge on a first-quarter return and took it 31 yards.
It was longer than all but one punt return the Bears had last season.
"He's a dynamic player when he's healthy," Rodgers said. "That's what we expect from Eddie."
Royal is glad to be contributing in any way after such a disjointed first season with the club. But he was around enough in 2015 to feel the weight of the offense's struggles.
That's part of why his touchdown Sunday was so meaningful.
"It was gratifying that we saw a play and did it together," Royal said. "It was a team effort. We talked about it and it worked. Making an adjustment on the field, it was big to Alshon to notice that. It was big for Jay to finish the play.
"You can tell," he added, "that growth is happening when stuff like that occurs."
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
Rich Campbell Contact Reporter Chicago Tribune
Alshon Jeffery was showcasing his potential as one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers Sunday against the Texans when he noticed their secondary make an adjustment.
It was one play after his 54-yard catch late in the first half. The Texans called time out just before the snap, but both teams began to play before they heard the whistle and stopped.
Jeffery saw safety Quintin Demps favoring his side. Double coverage near the sideline would leave the middle of the field vacant for Eddie Royal. Jeffery reported back to quarterback Jay Cutler.
"He came in the huddle and said, 'Hey, they're going to roll over the top of me,'" Cutler recalled. "'Eddie, you should get this touchdown here.'"
Sure enough, the Bears broke the huddle in a similar formation. Demps doubled Jeffery, and Royal beat his man on a post route against single coverage.
"As soon as I turned and I saw Jay, I thought touchdown," Royal said. "Then, just hold on to the ball."
The score was a nice welcome back for Royal, who missed all four exhibition games because of a concussion. The veteran slot receiver finished the game with four receptions for 57 yards, proving he can help the Bears' passing game stay afloat while top prospect Kevin White works through his growing pains.
Knee and ankle injuries limited him to nine games last season. But he's healthy now and equaled his touchdown total from a year ago in the first half of Week 1. That's reassuring for the organization more than a year after guaranteeing Royal $10 million as part of a three-year free-agent deal.
Cutler appreciates it as he tries to steady an offense that has a reshuffled line, a retooled backfield and a receiver in White who still is developing.
"Eddie can play outside, he can play inside," Cutler said. "He's a savvy vet. I'm comfortable with him. He is one of the best route runners on the outside in the league, and he's a smart football player. You can kind of move him around and he's going to get the job done."
Royal also took over the punt returning job in Week 1. This coaching staff is familiar with his ability because they had him with the Broncos earlier this decade.
Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers wasn't surprised when Royal — helped by blockers Chris Prosinski, Josh Bellamy and DeAndre Houston-Carson — captured the edge on a first-quarter return and took it 31 yards.
It was longer than all but one punt return the Bears had last season.
"He's a dynamic player when he's healthy," Rodgers said. "That's what we expect from Eddie."
Royal is glad to be contributing in any way after such a disjointed first season with the club. But he was around enough in 2015 to feel the weight of the offense's struggles.
That's part of why his touchdown Sunday was so meaningful.
"It was gratifying that we saw a play and did it together," Royal said. "It was a team effort. We talked about it and it worked. Making an adjustment on the field, it was big to Alshon to notice that. It was big for Jay to finish the play.
"You can tell," he added, "that growth is happening when stuff like that occurs."
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
