Bears Thinking Burress?

Is it time to add the Bears to the growing list of teams that might have a serious interest in wide receiver Plaxico Burress? According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago could be a realistic possibility, and I happen to like the idea — from a football standpoint.

The Bears and Burress

I should probably start this post by saying that no one knows what the immediate future holds for Burress. He’s facing legal ramifications over a gun incident and will still have to deal with disciplinary action from Commissioner Roger Goodell before, or if, he plays football in 2009.

But even with all that uncertainty, the Bears could very well be major players for his services.

Why? Why would you take a chance on a guy who could be facing jail time? Because he can flat out play the game — and that’s all that matters on Sundays, whether we agree or disagree with his image off the field.

The Bears have multiple questions at wide receiver and need weapons for new QB Jay Cutler to move the ball down the field. Yes, offensive coordinator Ron Turner’s offense is predicated on a strong running game, but when given the chance, he has no problem expanding his offense and moving the ball through the air in the vertical passing game.

And that’s why they brought Cutler to town — because he can make the throws that former quarterback Kyle Orton could not.

Only one issue as I see it: There isn’t an option right now at wide receiver who can exploit defenders and go up and get the football outside the numbers.

I still believe Devin Hester could be very productive if he could work the middle of the field and match up against nickel corners in the slot on third downs. But as of now, he will most likely play on the outside based on the talent level around him — and that could take away some of his natural playmaking ability.

Biggs says the Bears have Earl Bennett lined up opposite Hester with the first unit, but Bennett hasn’t caught a ball in the NFL yet. Sure, the Bears see potential in him, but until we see it on Sunday, we have to hold back our judgment.

In saying that, why wouldn’t the Bears be in the mix for Burress’ services if he’s allowed to play in 2009?

They have one of the most underrated ground games, led by running back Matt Forte, have productive tight ends in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark, and now, with the addition of Cutler, have a Pro Bowl quarterback.

Adding a player like Burress would not only accelerate this offense to near the top of the division, it would also allow the Bears to use Hester in more favorable match-ups and get the football in his hands in the middle of the field — with open space around him -- instead of trying to outrun corners on fade routes.

Look, I understand there are many hurdles for Burress to clear before we can really get into this discussion and see who the major players are for his services, but the fact his name is still a hot topic leads me to believe Chicago could well be a possible landing spot.

You add players to your roster if they make your team more competitive, and the way I see it, the Bears would be a very competitive offense with a 6-5 wide receiver catching passes from Cutler — even if he’s delayed by a suspension.

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