Chicago Bears 2014 Outlook: Five Most Important Players On Offense
Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
In his first season with the Bears, Martellus Bennett certainly made an impression. The tight end duo of Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth combined for 25 receptions, 257 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2012. In 2013, Bennett himself had 65 receptions for 759 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In order for an offense to be effective in the red zone, it must have a big tight end target. Ask Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. That tight end can act as a safety valve for the quarterback. When all else fails, throw it to the big tight end and have him barrel over the defense.
At 6-7, 248 pounds, Bennett gives Cutler that target. The entire receiving corps offer Cutler big targets, but the massive Bennett can be particularly effective. The defense does not have enough big defensive backs to cover all the receivers, so the most effective ones (like Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery) will get the best covers. That leaves Bennett with an advantage.
In his second year, hopefully Bennett can get targeted a little bit more and score a few more touchdowns.