Gerry Melendez, McClatchy-TribuneSouth Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery scores a touchdown off a pass in the first quarter. South Carolina defeated Kentucky 54-3.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery walks off the field after a loss to the Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery rises for and misses the pass as 49ers cornerback Kenneth Acker defends in the second quarter.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneWide receiver Alshon Jeffery misses a pass near the end zone during the second half against the 49ers.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery talks with his teammates.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes a face for the photographer as he comes out for warmups before a game against the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery, right, laughs with Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders after a preseason game at Soldier Field on Aug. 11, 2016.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery elebrates his touchdown reception on the sidelines against the Vikings at Solider Field.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery sits on the bench after a loss to the Colts had become apparent in the fourth quarter of at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 9, 2016.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery signs autographs on the first day of training camp on July 28, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery celebrates his touchdown catch against the Vikings.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes the catch and leaps -- but is just short of the goal line against the Chargers.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery runs down field following a catch against the Green Bay Packers.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery is pushed out of bounds by Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall during the second half.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery signs a ball for a young fan before a game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings.
Jose M. Osorio, Chicago TribuneLions free safety Glover Quin intercepts a ball thrown to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery late in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field.
Gerry Melendez, McClatchy-TribuneSouth Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (1) makes a one-handed catch for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Citadel.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes a reception in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery misses a pass near the end zone in front of Vikings cornerback A.J. Jefferson during the second half.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery lines up against the St. Louis Rams in 2015.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes a catch on a long pass in the second quarter against the Eagles at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 19, 2016.
John J. Kim, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field.
Gerry Melendez, McClatchy-TribuneSouth Carolina's Alshon Jeffery makes a catch during the first quarter against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl game at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery can't make a catch in the end zone in the fourth quarter during a win over the Vikings.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery runs to complete a pass from quarterback Jay Cutler at a mandatory minicamp practice on June 14, 2016 at Halas Hall.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery sits on the turf after he was unable to haul in a long pass in the 4th quarter against the Packers.
John J. Kim, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery makes an overhead reception vs. the Vikings in the third quarter at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery celebrates his touchdown against the Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Anthony Souffle, Chicago TribunePackers cornerback Davon House attempts to intercept a pass meant for Alshon Jeffery during the fourth quarter.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Lions at Ford Field in 2015.
Brian Cassella, McClatchy-TribuneAlshon Jeffery catches a touchdown in front of Vikings safety Harrison Smith in the second quarter.
Gerry Melendez, McClatchy-TribuneSouth Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery scores a touchdown on a pass reception in the first quarter against Auburn.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery goes up for a ball against the Packers' John Crockett on Oct. 20, 2016, at Lambeay Field.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribunePackers cornerback Sam Shields breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Alshon Jeffery in the second quarter.
John J. Kim, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery comes down with his second touchdown reception of the first quarter against the Lions at Ford Field.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery runs up-field following a catch as Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramseypushes him out of bounds in the first quarter at Soldier Field on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes a catch over Redskins cornerback Josh Norman during the first half at Soldier Field on Dec. 24, 2016.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery signs autographs for fans following early warmups for a preseason game against the Browns at Soldier Field.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery signs autographs for children after Bears Family Fest at Soldier Field in August 2015.
Stacey Wescott, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery is brought down by the Vikings' Xavier Rhodes in the second half at TCF Banks.
Anthony Souffle, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery gestures to the crowd after gaining yards during the second half against the Falcons.
Scott Strazzante, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery stretches prior to practice during training camp in Bourbonnais.
Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery catches a pass for a touchdown vs. the Cowboys.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery sprints the ball down the field during the first quarter against the Packers.
Anthony Souffle, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery is unable to make the catch in the end zone during the second half against the Vikings.
E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery with a 4th quarter touchdown catch in the Bears' 41-21 victory over the Colts.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneRams cornerback Cortland Finnegan breaks up a pass intended for Alshon Jeffery during the first quarter.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes a catch late in the second quarter against the Lions at Ford Field.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery warms up before a game against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery takes the field for a November game at Solider Field.
Gerry Melendez, McClatchy-TribuneSouth Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery celebrates after a catch for a touchdown against Nebraska.
Chris Sweda/Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery can't pull in a pass as Lions cornerback Ron Bartell defends in the second quarter in 2012.
Phil Velasquez, Chicago TribuneWide receiver Alshon Jeffery heads downfield as rookie minicamp opened at Halas Hall.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribunePackers cornerback Sam Shields breaks up a pass for Alshon Jeffery in the end zone in the 4th quarter.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneBears wide receivers Brandon Marshall (right) and Alshon Jeffery before a game against the Panthers.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery catches a pass during training camp on Aug. 5, 2015.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery has a laugh while taking in the Duke vs. Kentucky game at the Champions Classic at the United Center.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneChicago Bears Cameron Meredith (81), Josh Bellamy (11), Marquess Wilson (10) and Alshon Jeffery (17) walk off of the practice field at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Oct. 26, 2015.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery celebrates after making a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the Lions.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery celebrates with Brandon Marshall (15) after with his touchdown against the Vikings during the second quarter.
John J. Kim, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery warms up before the game against the Dolphins at Solider Field in 2014.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery scores a touchdown past Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon in the second quarter.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery scores a touchdown in front of the Packers' Sam Shields in the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery relaxes on the field before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a Cubs-Phillies game at Wrigley Field on May 28, 2016.
Scott Strazzante, Chicago TribuneThe Saints' Kenny Vaccaro breaks up a pass intended for Alshon Jeffery during the first quarter of the Saints' 26-18 win at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery catches a long pass in the second quarter against the Saints' Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Carr.
John J. Kim, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is congratulated by Kyle Long after Jeffery's second touchdown reception of the first quarter against the Lions.
Nam Y. Huh / APAlshon Jeffery reacts after missing a catch during the second half against the Vikings.
Jose M. Osorio, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery lays on the sod after he misses a ball as the Packers defense look in the first quarter at Soldier Field.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery is unable to haul in a pass in the end zone in the second quarter against the Packers at Soldier Field.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery and the Buccaneers' Chris Conte jump up for a pass from quarterback Jay Cutler before Cameron Meredith caught the ball for a touchdown during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Nov. 13, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery catches a touchdown pass in front of Vikings cornerback Chris Cookduring the second quarter.
Jose M. Osorio, Chicago TribuneZach Miller, Alshon Jeffery and Eric Weems chat as they walk onto the practice field at training camp in Bourbonnais in 2014.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery heads to the stands to sign autographs before a game against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 9, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery is tackled by the Texans' Johnathan Joseph and Quintin Demps during the first half at NRG Park on Sept. 11, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery scores a touchdown in front of Vikings safety Harrison Smith during the second quarter.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery rides a cart after training camp practice.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribunePackers cornerback Sam Shields tackles Alshon Jeffery during the second half at Lambeau Field.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery walks the sideline after missing the final pass attempt of the game against the Jaguars in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery laughs between drills during the first day of mandatory minicamp on June 14, 2016 at Halas Hall.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APAlshon Jeffery makes a touchdown catch against Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes during the first half.
Jos M. Osorio, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery runs after a reception as 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown covers him in the first quarter at Candlestick Park.
Matt Marton, APBears wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Joshua Bellamy (left) stretch during practice drills at a Bears practice at Halas Hall.
Anthony Souffle, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery jumps up to grab a touchdown pass as Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes tries (unsuccessfully) to defend during the first half.
E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery juggles a catch before turning upfield against Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins in the 4th quarter of the Bears' 23-6 victory.
Jose M. Osorio, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery after a touchdown catch against the Vikings in the third quarter at the Mall of America Field in Minneapolis. The Vikings beat the Bears 23-20.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery at Bears training camp in Bourbonnais.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery signs autographs at training camp in 2012.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery looks on from the Bears sidelines after the ball intended for him was intercepted by Redskins free safety Will Blackmon during the second half at Soldier Field on Dec. 24, 2016.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery signs autographs for fans before the start of the game against the Packers at Lambeau Field.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneJosh Bellamy celebrates with Alshon Jeffery after Bellamy caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Packers at Soldier Field on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery sprints down the field with the ball after completing a pass during Bears Family Fest at Soldier Field.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery misses a pass as Eagles cornerback Nolan Carrolldefends in the second quarter on Sept. 19, 2016 at Soldier Field.
Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneBears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery heads to the end zone with a first quarter touchdown at Ford Field.
John J. Kim, Chicago TribuneDolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan breaks up a pass to Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in the second quarter at Solider Field.
Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneAlshon Jeffery makes a reception in the third quarter against the Redskins at FedEx Field.
Gerry Melendez, McClatchy-Tribune
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South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery scores a touchdown off a pass in the first quarter. South Carolina defeated Kentucky 54-3.
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By Brad Biggs | bmbiggs@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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Why don’t the Bears take more chances downfield? Short passes are OK but shake it up a bit with a deep ball now and then right? — @monsters_berry
I think they have been taking shots downfield and there were probably doing it even more this past Sunday with Alshon Jeffery back in the lineup. The Bears were a little challenged vertically when Jeffery missed four games as that left quarterback Jay Cutler with tight end Martellus Bennett and wide receiver Marquess Wilson as his top targets.
With Jeffery back in the lineup, he looked downfield. Fifty-one of Cutler’s 174 attempts this season have traveled in the air 11 yards beyond the line of scrimmage or more. He’s attempted 17 passes that have traveled 21 yards beyond the line of scrimmage in the air or more so there are some calculated shots being taken.
I think you also have to consider with some moving parts on the offensive line, coordinator Adam Gase has been mindful of that and has made keeping Cutler protected in the pocket a priority. That means picking and choosing your spots for things like deep drops where Cutler looks downfield.
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