Receiver Weems foresees pass-oriented Bears offense
Receiver Weems foresees pass-oriented Bears offense
By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter
10:51 a.m. CDT, June 5, 2012
New Chicago Bears receiver Eric Weems noticed the similarities from Day 1. He saw a quarterback in complete control of the offense, just like he witnessed while with Atlanta.
"Jay Cutler and Matt Ryan, both are great quarterbacks," Weems said. "Both have their own style of how they approach the game. But I’d say Jay has a stronger arm than Matt."
Weems saw a big receiver in the same mold as the guy he played next to the previous five seasons.
"Brandon Marshall and Roddy White, they are similar guys ... maybe the same guy," Weems said. "Both of them are big guys that can run. Both have great hands and know the game very well."
But there is a distinct difference between the offense Weems lined up in while with the Falcons to the one he’s beginning to absorb here with the Bears.
"I think the biggest difference so far is, we toss the ball around a lot more here," Weems said.
So much for getting off the bus running.
Weems described the scheme being implemented by offensive coordinator Mike Tice and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates as "receiver-quarterback friendly." The addition of the three-time Pro Bowler Marshall instantly enhanced Cutler’s passing game. And although Weems was signed during the offseason primarily as a special-teams ace, he could contribute as a fourth or fifth receiver. Last season, Dane Sanzenbacher had 27 catches for 276 yards in that role.
Weems had a career-high 11 catches in 2011.
"Right now, I’m moving around," Weems said. "I’m not at a guaranteed spot. I’m playing some `X’ and playing some 'Z.' I’m playing a little inside. Whenever the coaches need me, I’m here to play."
Whatever role he ends up filling, the 5-foot-9, 195-pound Weems believes the transition will be seamless.
"Once you've learned the offense, then you've learned it," Weems said. "It's not a difficult thing. But just coming from Atlanta, it's all about learning a new system, learning new faces, getting used to new coaches ... and getting used to this weather."
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