The Senorise Perry 'Special'

A lot has been made about the Bears depth at running back , a crowded group of six backs. Fan favourite Matt Forte is entering his 8th season in Chicago, free agent Jacquizz Rodgers is well known from his time with the Falcons, Daniel Thomas for his time in Miami, and both Jeremy Langford and (to a lesser extent) Ka’Deem Carey are highly touted young rushers. However, there is one man in Chicago’s backfield, often overlooked, and perhaps more of a lock to make the final 53 than Thomas or Carey.

Senorise Perry came to the Bears as an undrafted rookie in 2014 out of Louisville. While with the Cardinals from 2010-2013, Perry put up solid numbers as the ‘1B’ back, in both the 2012 and 2013 campaigns. Rushing for 1,382 yards , 17 TDs (11 in 2012) averaging 5 YPC in the two seasons. In addition to his ground numbers Perry also experienced success as a receiver with 359 Yards, 1 TD averaging 10 yards per reception. Perry was quiet for the Bears in 2014, however when it came to special teams, he made a lot of noise.

Perry is most likely to stick with the Bears as a result of solid special teams play. The rookie back played in all 16 of Chicago’s games last season, making a huge impact on a lack lustre special teams unit. Perry led the team in special teams tackles (17) alongside 2 forced fumbles. In addition, at times Perry was able to provide a spark to the melancholy Bears return game averaging 22 yards on returns. There is no doubt Perry is a special teams standout, however in the 2015 preseason, he has shown flashes of his ability to run the ball and create the big plays NFL offences need.

The Bears currently sit 3rd in rushing in the 2015 preseason, Senorise Perry’s performance against Miami is a big reason why. With a stat line of; 10 Att, 89 Yds, 1 TD, 8.9 YPC and a Long of 46, Perry showed flashes of his Louisville days in the 27-10 win over the Dolphins. Early success in this years preseason, combined with a solid 2014 camp are proving that if called upon, Perry can contribute much more than solid special teams play.  The NFL preseason will always be looked upon as incomparable to regular season play, however, in a time where players are asked to dig deep and show what they're made of, Perry has consistently risen to the task early in his NFL career.

It is always a daunting task for an undrafted player to make (and stick with) and NFL club, however Perry’s ability to contribute on special teams, combined with flashes of NFL calibre rushing will allow Perry to stay with the Bears for at least one more season.



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Picture sourced from; http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Spencer+Paysinger/Senorise+Perry/Miami+Dolphins+v+Chicago+Bears/RS-10_jAUsx