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

Bears Need to 'Run' with Injuries

Losing your four top receivers is never usually a reason for optimism. However, for the Chicago Bears, during this time of organizational change, it may prove to be just what the doctor ordered.

It was a disappointing blow when the Bears announced highly touted first round pick Kevin White (shin) would miss at least the first 6 weeks of the season. Add to that, injuries to Alshon Jeffery (Calf), Marquess Wilson (Hamstring), and most recently highly anticipated offseason signing Eddie Royal (hip) and the Bears receiving corps is rivalling the Cleveland Browns (sorry Browns fans). Much of the response to the growing list of injuries in Chicago has been expectantly negative, however, if ever there was a time to lean on the running game, it is now.

Over the past two seasons (Trestman era) the Bears finished in the bottom half of the league in team rushing percentage; 21st (2013) 31st (2014). If ever there was a good time to have to lean on the running game, it’s 2015, with Ryan Pace addressing the teams running back depth in the offseason and creating a potentially dangerous three-headed monster in Chicago’s backfield. Despite the lack of carries, Forte was able to put together his third 1,000+ yard season in 2014, and has shown no signs of showing down. With the added depth of veteran back Jacquizz Rodgers, and steal of the 2015 draft Jeremy Langford (right), the Bears running game has the potential to do some real damage this season. The need to rely on the running game, will bring with it a lighter workload for Jay Cutler.

Under Marc Trestman, the Bears threw the ball an average of 62.4% of the time (60.12% in 2013, 64.68 % in 2014) Putting a tremendous amount of unnecessary pressure on Cutler, especially considering Forte is in their backfield. Granted, the Bears found themselves behind on the scoreboard often in 2014, regardless, the team did not run the ball enough at any point in 2014. For all the heat the Bears QB takes, the team has relied far too heavily on him in 2014, especially in comparison to some of the some of the leagues most successful passers (Seattle 48.56%, Rodgers 56.36%, Brady 59.59%) The loss of the top four receivers hurts, a lot, but it could potentially have a lasting positive impact on the direction of the team.

 There is a perfect storm brewing in the windy city; a need to depend on the running game, the best depth the backfield has had in years, having the 3rd ranked rushing attack in the 2015 preseason, combined with a lessened workload for Jay Cutler. Despite a depleted receiving corps, Chicago’s offence has potential to burst out of the gate in 2015.

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References;
Pictures sourced from: http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bears-huddle/2011/11/chicago-bears-huddle-stock-report-4/ , http://www.dabearsbeat.com/2015/05/07/an-early-look-at-chicagos-2016-cap/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series: Conclusion

In a series of additions which included the signing of veteran backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Daniel Thomas, along with managing the steal of the 2015 draft in Michigan State stud Jeremy Langford, the years of depth issues in the Chicago backfield may finally be over.

Coach John Fox will have a tough decision to make on how the depth chart shapes up behind Matt Forte. With all the additions in the backfield and the noted contributions of Senorise Perry on special teams, promising sophomore Ka'deem Carey might be on the outside looking in.

Sophomore Series:
RB, Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona, 4th Round 117th Overall in 2014
2014  Season Stats: Rushing 36 Rush, 156 Yds, 4.4 Avg    Receiving: 5 Rec, 57 Yds

Rookie Season Recap

Carey was a highly though of running back in last years draft class. He showed great flashes during the 2014 preseason, making many think the team had found the heir apparent to Matt Forte. Considering Marc Trestman's hatred for running the ball, and the effectiveness of Matt Forte, Carey finished the season with a respectable stat line, and showed flashes of great potential in both the rushing and receiving game. However, being a product of the Emery/Trestman era may have cost Carey his shot at becoming a household name in the Chicago backfield.

Sophomore Season Outlook
With Jacquizz Rodgers slated to be the backup to Matt Forte, and the emergence of Jeremy Langford in this preseason, its hard to see Carey making the final 53 man roster. Another road block for the sophomore back comes in fellow returning back Senorise Perry, who is a special teams standout, and sure to have a spot on the final roster. After watching him show great flashes of potential last season, it would be a hard pill to swallow if Carey were cut loose by the new coaching staff, an idea that would have never crossed the mind of Bears fans last season.

Closing Outlook
Ryan Pace did an excellent job of addressing the need for depth at the position this offseason, through free agency and the drafting of Jeremy Langford. Unfortunately for Ka'Deem Carey, the rookie general manager's "best player available" approach led to the Langford pick, which many call the steal of the draft. Will the promising sophomore running back fall victim to the sudden overwhelming depth at the running back position in Chicago?

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/VDcPdowPu84/Jacksonville+Jaguars+v+Chicago+Bears/BTIBpjzp6g7/Ka'Deem+Carey