Chicago Bears: Time to pull the plug on Anthony Miller

Should the Chicago Bears move on from wide receiver Anthony Miller?

I admit that I bought the hype on wide receiver Anthony Miller. The Chicago Bears coaching staff were high on him during camp. They said he had the best camp of any player there. He was taking pointers from teammate Allen Robinson on running routes. He has a child now so he matured a great deal. They said he was poised for a breakthrough season.

So far, they’ve been wrong.

What we’ve seen in Miller this season is the same player — he is great in some games and raises hope, then turns around and disappears in other games. His inconsistency is maddening. Just when we feel he’s got it, he disappears.

He made the game-winning catches in exciting wins against the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons. Also, he caught all four of his targets, including a huge third-down conversion that extended the game-winning drive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Then he has no catches and two big drops against the New York Giants and makes a catch that gains the first down, only to run back and lose it on a key third down.

While the frustrations over Miller’s play continues, there is another wide receiver who is thriving. Rookie Darnell Mooney is winning the confidence of head coach Matt Nagy and quarterback Nick Foles. He’s taken some snaps away from Miller because of some of these stats:

• 18 receptions (ranks 5th among rookies)
• 196 receiving yards (7th among rookies)
• 90.4 passer rating when targeted (ranks 9th among rookies)

As each week passes, Mooney is gaining confidence. Foles is looking more for him as well. Mooney has had 19 targets in Foles’ three starts with the Bears. In contrast, Miller has 12. Miller is getting fewer opportunities to show the team that he is a dependable target.

Miller still has his confidence. He feels he can make great plays at any moment and maybe that’s his problem, per the team’s official website:

"I know what I’m capable of. I’ve been playing football for a long time. Each and every time I step out on that field, I know I have the chance to do something great. That’s what drives me every time I go out there. I just know I can do something great that can contribute to the team in a good way. I’m just ready for that role."

If Miller just concentrates on making regular plays he’ll be more ready to make the big plays. Success isn’t just based on always making the big play. A lot of basic, small plays can help you to make the big play when it’s there. Miller is like the hitter in baseball who always swings for the fences. He’ll hit some homers but he’ll also strike out a lot in key moments.

Anthony Miller time over for the Chicago Bears?

How much longer will the Chicago Bears continue to wait for Miller? This might be the time to make a change. If they feel confident enough in Mooney, they have an asset in Miller to help shore up the roster and/or bring in a draft pick.

The Bears have a need at offensive line. Rashaad Coward struggled in his first start in place of injured James Daniels. Alex Bars struggled when he came in against Tampa Bay but he went up against a great defense and did it without much preparation. If Coward continues to struggle, Bars may get another chance. Whatever happens, the Bears still need some added depth along the line.

There are other receivers who can get more action. Javon Wims get targets here and there. If he had a greater role in the offense he may respond. The same for Riley Ridley. The coaches said he also had a great camp. However, he hasn’t been active in any game yet. Isn’t it time for him to show everyone what the coaches supposedly saw in him during camp?

The Bears have six picks. Officially, they have five, but they’ll receive another pick from the Miami Dolphins in the Adam Shaheen trade. It is conditional so it could be a sixth or a seventh-round pick. It’s always a good thing to acquire more picks.

With the Bears 5-1 and in first place in the NFC North, if they can make a deal before the November 3rd trade deadline to bolster the roster and make an extended playoff run they should do whatever they can to get it done. They are in a great position today and they need to be able to continue their success.

I liked Miller and thought he finally saw the light. Apparently, he hasn’t. He’s still as frustrating as ever and it’s time for the Bears to cut ties and improve the roster.