5 breakout stars to watch for Chicago Bears in 2020

1. WR Anthony Miller

Despite limited overall production (33 receptions for 423 yards), Miller caught seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2018. That pointed to some breakthrough potential last year. But a slow start after offseason surgery on his left shoulder derailed that, as he finished with 52 catches for 656 yard and just two scores.

But Miller showed signs of life down the stretch in 2019. From Week 11-Week 15 (five games), he had 33 receptions for 431 yards with at least nine targets four times and double-digit targets three times in that span. But he left the Week 17 season finale with a left shoulder injury, and had surgery again right after the season.

The Bears easily cut wide receiver Taylor Gabriel to free up cap space this offeason. He’s leaving behind 48 targets and 445 snaps (a 42 percent snap share) from the nine games he played last year, and Miller is first in line to soak up those opportunities. In 2018, when he played all 16 games, Gabriel played 77 percent of Chicago’s offensive snaps. Miller played 64 percent of the snaps last year.

More snaps and more targets equals opportunity. It’s that simple of an equation for Miller in 2020, provided he’s healthy, and the only thing that stands to keep him from a full breakout is lackluster quarterback play.