As the Chicago Bears prepare for a rematch against their rivals Green Bay Packers, Bears receiver Anthony Miller is expecting more from himself against the Packers.
Looking back at Chicago’s season opener against Green Bay, Miller was coming off an ankle injury suffered in training camp and struggling to learn Matt Nagy’s offense. The injury hampered him greatly and it’s taken him some time to get into a rhythm in this offense — as it has for many.
“I don’t think I played much in that game,” Miller said.
He didn’t. He played just 15 snaps and was targeted once without a catch.
“But it’s gonna be different this game.”
When Miller says the words, you believe him. Because it’s his performance that’s doing the talking.
In the last four games, Miller has 24 catches for 313 yards and a touchdown. Like his quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, he’s been playing with more confidence. And that’s no coincidence considering Trubisky and Miller have really started clicking over the last month.
“We all knew Anthony’s potential,” Bears wide receivers coach Mike Furrey said. “We sat here in Week 1 trying to figure out why he wasn’t on the field a lot. It’s more of the mental part. More of the maturity part than the ability.
“I think he’s been humbled enough … to understand that you have to show up every day. You have to prepare. You can’t go out there and play playground on Sundays or you won’t play.”
That mental maturity has unlocked something in Miller over the last month, where he posted a career game with nine receptions for 140 yards against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
Considering how much Miller has grown this season, it’s exciting to know that he hasn’t reached his full potential yet.
“The growth he’s done maturity-wise and the way he’s handled himself, “Furrey said, “you’re starting to see what we all were hoping, what we all knew he had. I don’t think he’s done. He still has a lot more room to grow.”
