Chicago Bears: John Fox reveals role Victor Cruz to play to help team
With all the new faces on offense, the Chicago Bears need to set a plan on how they will utilize them. Head coach John Fox just announced what role Victor Cruz plays in 2017.
The Chicago Bears completely made over the offense in 2017. Alshon Jeffery left through free agency. In return, general manager Ryan Pace signed Markus Wheaton, Kendall Wright, and Victor Cruz. He also got rid of all the quarterbacks from last season and signed Mike Glennon and Mark Sanchez, and drafted Mitchell Trubisky. Additionally, he signed Dion Sims and drafted Adam Shaheen at tight end.
With all the new parts on the machine, the Bears need to fit them in the right place.
One of the new pieces acquired found out his role on the team. Head coach John Fox spoke with NorthJersey.com’s Tara Sullivan about Cruz and the role the Bears see for him in 2017.
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"We see him more as that third-down slot receiver, that’s the role we envisioned for him. That was kind of our thinking, that they didn’t utilize him a whole lot in that way. Those are the pluses and minuses – the plus is that he has more fuel in the tank, the minus is less production. My biggest thing in researching him was is he healthy, and even though I’ve only seen him a few days out there, he looks fine. He’s not going to take the top off, but he can still react fast and rely on his quickness."
Cruz likes this move. When he came into the league as an undrafted rookie free agent, he played the slot. There, he became a Pro Bowl receiver and helped the New York Giants win the Super Bowl in 2011. Last season, the Giants used him on the outside.Sullivan wrote that Cruz wants that as well.
"That’s what Cruz wants too – “to be myself again, in the slot it outside making plays, being a threat on third down. Just being in a groove,” he said – back to the guy who frustrated opponents with precise and effective route running, who proved that a small school college career (at UMass) and an undrafted free agent contract don’t have to stand in the way of NFL success."
Additionally, the Bears will use Cruz’s experience. There are some young players on that unit who could learn a lot from him. Going from undrafted rookie to Super Bowl champion, he dealt with a lot and can guide the youngsters.
Also, Cruz can help the quarterbacks. Glennon is still young and Trubisky hasn’t seen a minute of action yet so his excellent route-running helps them get the ball exactly where it needs to be.
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The Chicago Bears feel Victor Cruz has plenty in his tank. By using him as a third-down slot, they can keep him fresh throughout the season and stay on the field. His experience will be valuable to this young offense is to turn things around in 2017.