Anthony Miller claims that he doesn't remember the last time the Bears and Packers met.
He's wiped September 5 from his memory: the stalled drives, the disappointment, the criticism. Miller, then weeks removed from a lower leg injury that swallowed much of his training camp, saw limited action in the season opener.
Miller saw only one pass thrown in his direction and appeared in a mere 21 percent of the Bears' offensive plays.
As his second season draws to a close, Miller is looking to have a game against the Packers that he will want to remember.
"I just think we've come a long way," said Miller. "We've faced a lot throughout this season. I've said this before, time and time again, our back's against the wall now, so we have no choice but to play good football."
The past two weeks, with fellow receiver Taylor Gabriel out, Miller has been in for 88 percent of plays as the Bears' offense and Miller individually have taken flight.
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky said that Miller is adamant during games that he wants the ball. Miller sees that communication as critical to the Bears' success.
"After every series, I tell [Trubisky] what I see," said Miller. "I tell the coaches what I see — any opportunity for me to make a play or anybody else to make a play. I tell them a route concept that may work. Anything. Anything to get the ball in our hands."
Lately, that's been working out for Miller, who has nearly doubled his season totals in catches and yards in the last three weeks. Miller believes that this newfound success has given the offense some swagger it had lacked earlier in the season.
"Whenever we go out there," said Miller, "we know what we're supposed to do on each and every play. Mitch's confidence is through the roof right now, so we're just taking advantage of that."
Trubisky praised Miller's desire and effort, but the quarterback saved his most glowing reviews to the work Miller has put into understanding his role.
"He's done a lot from the learning standpoint about where he belongs within each spot," said Trubisky, "within each concept, and even when he's not getting the ball, where he's blocking, who he's blocking. And he's earned that trust, and he's been busting his tail to get on the same page with me."
Miller said that the Bears have not dwelled too much on the last time they faced the Packers, taking a week-to-week approach instead. However, Miller hinted at new wrinkles to his role in the offense, something he feels more equipped to handle than ever.
"Every week is something different," said Miller. "I'm at a different position in the offense every week. I have different plays. There's just stuff that I've got to take responsibility for, and I think I'm taking it on pretty well."
