Chicago Bears: Marquess Wilson will continue to rise

By Kevin Parvizi | Oct 15, 2015

The Chicago Bears were forced to face the Kansas City Chiefs with Marquess Wilson, Cameron Meredith, and Josh Bellamy as their top three receivers, but they were still able to slog out their second straight win, thanks to an injury to Jamaal Charles and the fact that Wilson stepped up to the plate.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Where does Matt Forte rank among best RBs?

In the previous week with Alshon Jeffery also out with an injury, Wilson had six receptions for 80 yards on nine targets, helping the Bears scrape by the Oakland Raiders 22-20. His 6/85/1 line against the Chiefs was even more impressive, and it looks like Wilson, who has never been short on talent, is finally matching the hype now that he has an opportunity to make his mark. The Bears look absolutely loaded at the WR position, because you can only imagine how good those guys could be in 2016 when Kevin White is in play.

More from Chicago Bears

For now, the Bears are hoping both Jeffery and Eddie Royal can return for this week’s rivalry tilt against the winless Detroit Lions. Both of their statuses are murky after just one day of practice reports, but the fact that Jeffery practiced and Royal didn’t is an early indication of their likely availability for Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. kick-off at Ford Field.

If we assume that Jeffery finally makes his return after being out since catching five passes for 78 yards in Week 1 against the rival Green Bay Packers but that Royal misses this week’s game, then Wilson still seems to be in a position to have a big game on paper. Back-to-back six-catch, 80-yard performances aren’t to be taken lightly, especially since Wilson is a quick 6’4″ receiver with more than enough long speed (he ran a 4.51 forty as a draft prospect).

Jeffery will always be the top dog when he’s on the field, but I’m starting to wonder if Wilson could earn even more looks than Royal, who has been used in a total dink-and-dunk role since signing a deal with a significant amount of guaranteed money this offseason, going forward. But if Royal is indeed unable to play against Detroit, then that won’t even come into play, meaning that Wilson would be locked in as the Bears WR2.

That’s a lucrative role against the Lions, because, according to Football Outsiders, while they are the 15th-best team at defending No. 1 receivers, they are the absolute worst against No. 2 receivers. This split is so big, in fact, that the Lions actually surrender more yardage to No. 2 receivers than No. 1 receivers.

Most of their struggles are in the slot, which is why Royal’s return could hurt Wilson severely. But if Royal doesn’t play, Wilson could have a third straight monster performance, especially if the Lions are overly preoccupied with stopping Jeffery, who is undoubtedly one of the best weapons in the business and has proven that he can succeed even when not fully healed from an injury.

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Marquess Wilson (10) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Remember, the Lions average of 7.9 net yards per attempt allowed is the third-worst in the NFL this season, and their pass defense is just waiting to be torched. Outside of Darius Slay, it’s hard to trust any cornerback on Teryl Austin’s sagging defense.

Moreover, Wilson could even get some of these easy slot matchups against Detroit if Royal is out, because there wouldn’t be anyone else to move inside there. Although Wilson is tall, he’s also extremely quick and lean, making him a serious mis-match problem on the inside if utilized by Adam Gase in that capacity.

Regardless of who plays and who doesn’t play, Wilson has been a legitimately ascending player over the past two weeks, and his success doesn’t come as a surprise to those who have followed him since his college career at Washington State.

He seems to be on tap for a strong Week 6 against the Lions, and he just might even have enough talent to develop into the Bears No. 2 wide receiver at a later point this season. He and Royal are very different receivers, but the former has been more effective through the first five weeks of the season.

As of right now, Wilson’s 15.6 yards per reception are tied with Jeffery for the team lead, and his height, ball skills, and long speed have been on display.

Now with added consistency and strength to his game, Wilson has to be one of the most intriguing players on the Bears, in addition to being one of the most intriguing young receivers around the NFL.

Next: Is Walter Payton the greatest RB ever? Where do other former Bears rank?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Chicago Bears