Through five games, the 2020 season has been a mixed bag for third-year receiver Anthony Miller.
Miller has had an evident impact on the Bears 4-1 record, catching game-winning touchdowns in Weeks 1 and 3. However, he has been lost in the shuffle for broad swaths of the season, losing reps and targets to rookie Darnell Mooney.
Miller is adjusting to his new role inside an evolving offense.
"It's definitely something I've learned to deal with," said Miller, "just accepting my role on the team and knowing when my number is called, just stepping up to the plate when it's time. I feel like I'm going to be more involved in the offense in these coming games, and I'm just ready to step up."
On the year, Miller has recorded 13 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Buccaneers last Thursday night, he contributed four catches for 28 yards in a winning effort. Like the rest of his teammates, Miller emphasized the need for the offense to find consistency.
"I don't feel like we've all had a complete game where we've all just showed out," said Miller. "But I know it's coming because we're a talented group. We're confident in what we can do. Every time we step out on that field, we just know we got to do our job as best we can."
Miller opened the season with four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Lions, accounting for nearly half of his production through the first five games. Miller is confident that he will make games like that the norm in the coming weeks.
"I know what I'm capable of," said Miller. "I've been playing football for a long time. Each and every time I step out on that field, I know I have the chance to do something great. That's what drives me every time I go out there. I just know I can do something great that can contribute to the team in a good way. I'm just ready for that role."
Miller speaks highly of quarterback Nick Foles, who he believes has helped the offense progress in the past three weeks.
"Nick has very good communication skills, said Miller. "He talks to everybody involved in the offense, from the O-line to the tight ends to the receivers. He's on point with everyone, and I'm just excited for this offense to do what it really can do with him. We'll follow his lead, and we're confident in him."
In his first two NFL seasons, Miller established himself as a reliable second option for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. With Foles now running the offense, Miller is still working to build a rapport with the veteran quarterback.
"It hasn't been that tough to adjust to his playing style," said Miller. "He's pretty good at adjusting to how we run routes, so it's been actually fun doing new routes and just having to catch his ball. He throws a great ball out there, and like I said before, I'm just excited to see what we can do as an offense. I just know we're going to excel. I'm just ready to see it."
