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Mariani
- Thread starter cmtgrizzly
- Start date
yellowstone60
Well-known member
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: Way to go MM ! And against the cheeseheads to boot !! :thumb: [tweet]https://twitter.com/joemccaffery/status/670101737550667776[/tweet]
Brock Landers
Well-known member
He was also a huge Cutler fanYukon said:
Funny how things end up
Nice to see Marc getting some recognition for his receiving skills:
CHICAGO TRIBUNE: "Much has been made about the time missed by wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who returned to catch seven passes for 90 yards. But don’t overlook valuable contributions coming from Marc Mariani. He’s basically taken over as the slot receiver for the last four weeks while Eddie Royal has been sidelined with a knee injury and Mariani delivered big time. The box score will show only three receptions for 35 yards but all three grabs went for first downs. On the game-tying drive in the second quarter, Mariani made a 10-yard reception on third-and-4. Then, facing third-and-3 from the 11, he caught a pass basically along the line of scrimmage and managed to power through linebeakcer Nate Palmer and cornerback Casey Hayward for a 4-yard gain. Three plays later, quarterback Jay Cutler hit tight end Zach Miller for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Mariani helped the offense dig out of its own end. He beat free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on a square in on third-and-10 and took the gain for 21 yards.
“The nickel came (on a blitz) and Jay switched the protection so I knew I had a safety on me,” Mariani said. “I knew it was going to be a tough situation for him. I think Jay knew the matchup he had and I ran a good route and (the ball) was on me.”
Mariani was the first player coach John Fox referenced when he talked about the offense.
“You look at a Marc Mariani, I mean he’s a guy who just stepped in and made big catches, big plays on third down,” Fox said.
All seven of Mariani’s receptions on the season have gone for first downs. While he’s not going to push Royal aside, it’s impossible to know if the extra time off will put Royal in position where he can finally get back on the practice field next week. Mariani has added value to the roster too, especially as the team has taken kickoff return duties and passes them along to Deonte Thompson.
He rarely played offense in Tennessee and was competing for a chance to be the slot receiver in 2012 when he suffered a gruesome broken leg in preseason.
“This is the biggest role I have had in my career on offense,” said Mariani, who caught 149 passes for 2,787 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final two seasons at the University of Montana where he was teammates with the son of former Titans coach Jeff Fisher. “No doubt about it. I think the way the day goes you spend a lot of time on the offensive or defensive side of the ball but special teams has always been where my biggest roles have come on teams but I pride myself in playing wide receiver. I have always wanted to prove myself and show that I could do big things on the offensive side of the ball. I really just try to prepare my butt off so when the opportunity comes, I will be able to make those plays. Whether I am getting in there or not, I am always prepared to do that.
“My first couple years I was thrown in there a little bit, in and out. But then I broke my leg. I have always been fighting, scratching and trying to get that opportunity and further that opportunity. I think can add value there.”
You can tell Cutler is beginning to find a comfort level with Mariani and that gives the Bears a little more depth at the position, especially if Royal is going to miss some more time.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-10-thoughts-biggs-bears-packers-20151127-story.html
CHICAGO TRIBUNE: "Much has been made about the time missed by wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who returned to catch seven passes for 90 yards. But don’t overlook valuable contributions coming from Marc Mariani. He’s basically taken over as the slot receiver for the last four weeks while Eddie Royal has been sidelined with a knee injury and Mariani delivered big time. The box score will show only three receptions for 35 yards but all three grabs went for first downs. On the game-tying drive in the second quarter, Mariani made a 10-yard reception on third-and-4. Then, facing third-and-3 from the 11, he caught a pass basically along the line of scrimmage and managed to power through linebeakcer Nate Palmer and cornerback Casey Hayward for a 4-yard gain. Three plays later, quarterback Jay Cutler hit tight end Zach Miller for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Mariani helped the offense dig out of its own end. He beat free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on a square in on third-and-10 and took the gain for 21 yards.
“The nickel came (on a blitz) and Jay switched the protection so I knew I had a safety on me,” Mariani said. “I knew it was going to be a tough situation for him. I think Jay knew the matchup he had and I ran a good route and (the ball) was on me.”
Mariani was the first player coach John Fox referenced when he talked about the offense.
“You look at a Marc Mariani, I mean he’s a guy who just stepped in and made big catches, big plays on third down,” Fox said.
All seven of Mariani’s receptions on the season have gone for first downs. While he’s not going to push Royal aside, it’s impossible to know if the extra time off will put Royal in position where he can finally get back on the practice field next week. Mariani has added value to the roster too, especially as the team has taken kickoff return duties and passes them along to Deonte Thompson.
He rarely played offense in Tennessee and was competing for a chance to be the slot receiver in 2012 when he suffered a gruesome broken leg in preseason.
“This is the biggest role I have had in my career on offense,” said Mariani, who caught 149 passes for 2,787 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final two seasons at the University of Montana where he was teammates with the son of former Titans coach Jeff Fisher. “No doubt about it. I think the way the day goes you spend a lot of time on the offensive or defensive side of the ball but special teams has always been where my biggest roles have come on teams but I pride myself in playing wide receiver. I have always wanted to prove myself and show that I could do big things on the offensive side of the ball. I really just try to prepare my butt off so when the opportunity comes, I will be able to make those plays. Whether I am getting in there or not, I am always prepared to do that.
“My first couple years I was thrown in there a little bit, in and out. But then I broke my leg. I have always been fighting, scratching and trying to get that opportunity and further that opportunity. I think can add value there.”
You can tell Cutler is beginning to find a comfort level with Mariani and that gives the Bears a little more depth at the position, especially if Royal is going to miss some more time.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-10-thoughts-biggs-bears-packers-20151127-story.html
"All seven of Mariani’s receptions on the season have gone for first downs."
Guess I didn't know that. It's simple, need a first down? Mariani is your man.
Guess I didn't know that. It's simple, need a first down? Mariani is your man.
cmtgrizzly
Well-known member
Peems, I have no problem with Jeffery being the number 1 option but when he is covered by 1-2 defenders and others are open Cutler needs to have the ability to find others. There is a reason Cutler is considered an easy target for picks
yellowstone60
Well-known member
was nice to see that Cutty threw zero picks last night, but Rodgers did ! :thumb:cmtgrizzly said:
this was also interesting.....
[tweet]https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/670298886217539585[/tweet]
Yukon said:
Yep, Yukon.
In fact, Mariani was dedicating the game to his grandfather, whom he called the BIGGEST packer fan ever.
NorthernCat
Well-known member
Jay does like throwing it to Jeffery, but I think both he and the coaching staff are developing an appreciation for what Mariani can do as part of their offense. If you listen to both john fox and cutlers press conferences after the game, they both were quick to credit Marc for his play, both in that game and in general, a guy who will do what's necessary to win. Interesting, especially as his role as a returner has decreased the past 2 or 3 games, due to some struggles with decision making. I love that he's finding a new way to contribute to my bears! Good luck today btw, hope you avenge one for the big Sky!66volvo said:
cmtgrizzly
Well-known member
Good to hear. Didnt see the news conference. Thanks. Northerncat
yellowstone60
Well-known member
Marc Mariani will be asked to step up for Bears
http://www.chicagofootball.com/2015/12/04/chicago-bears-rule-marquess-wilson-out-for-sundays-game-vs-49ers/a5gkas2/
http://www.chicagofootball.com/2015/12/04/chicago-bears-rule-marquess-wilson-out-for-sundays-game-vs-49ers/a5gkas2/
It's at the expense of my 49ers, but Marc is having a very solid day. Just had a big 26-yard grab to set up a Chicago TD.
cmtgrizzly
Well-known member
Mariani with 2 catches and 33 yards on two targets.
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