Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers: Five players to watch

4. Markus Wheaton

So…that was pretty anticlimactic.

Let’s put it plainly: Wheaton had a terrible season debut. He failed to haul in his only two targets of the game, failing to make an impact on a Chicago Bears offense that badly needed it.

On one hand, you can’t blame Wheaton completely for Mike Glennon not throwing to his receivers. But if he hauls in that deep throw at the start of the game, maybe it changes the tenor of the offense a little. At the very least, it would’ve given the Bears the hint of being able to threaten teams down the field.

Until further notice, Wheaton represents the only receiver the Chicago Bears can really point to that scares teams deep. Eventually, he and Glennon are going to need to connect.

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Look for the Chicago Bears to try and get him involved early with some shorter throws first against some very beatable Packers corners. That seems par for the course with this offense – set everything up safe and short.

But just wait for it: Wheaton will get another shot to make a play on a deep-ish throw from Glennon. The Packers will dare them to dial it up, and they won’t be able to ignore it forever. Will he take advantage this time?