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Emma: Alshon Jeffery Is Indispensable For Bears

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Pressure came from the edge, and Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was forced out of the pocket. He looked to the end zone and found his big target, setting up the training camp highlight of last week.

Cutler set his back foot and fired a high strike to the back of the end zone. Up went Alshon Jeffery, flying over cornerback Kyle Fuller and making one of those spectacular catches that few others can make.

The Bourbonnais crowd cheered. It looked like so many plays Jeffery has made in the past.

"I see a dominant guy," Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. "I really have enjoyed watching him come along since the spring.

"There are times where he looks unstoppable."

Jeffery has the uncanny ability to seemingly play even bigger than his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame. He's able to go up and get most passes within reach -- something Cutler can appreciate -- and is strong enough to fight off opposing cornerbacks.

The Bears have considerable plans to make Jeffery a key part of their offense. He has a combined 174 catches and 17 touchdowns the past two seasons and has looked even better entering this training camp and his fourth year in Chicago.

"From spring to now, he's been consistent," Cutler said. "He's one of those guys each and every day to come out here, works hard, runs good routes."

But now Jeffery's battling what coach John Fox has called a strained calf. He was on crutches and in a walking boot during last Thursday's preseason opener and while he's traveling with the team to Indianapolis ahead of joint practices with the Colts ahead of Saturday's game, he's not expected to participate, Fox said. Jeffery has been previously characterized as day-to-day by Fox.

To be fair, Fox's word hasn't exactly been trustworthy when it comes to injuries. Rookie receiver Kevin White was once day-to-day, too, Fox said three weeks ago before the start of training camp, due to "a shin." Now, White may miss the season with a stress fracture that requires surgery.

The absence of White -- who came in to replace Brandon Marshall's production -- underscores the importance of Jeffery in this offense. The Bears are fortunate that Eddie Royal has been a serviceable replacement for White, but what happens if Jeffery misses an extended period of time?

What Jeffery brings is respectability to the passing game. His production aside, just his sheer presence on the field takes a top cornerback away from Royal, a smart route runner with whom Cutler is comfortable. Additionally, Martellus Bennett becomes more of a mismatch for an opposing defense when a second defender has to cheat Jeffery's way.

With a capable passing game, the Bears would have more success in the run game, too, grinding it out with Matt Forte plus a likely heavy dose of Jacquizz Rodgers and Jeremy Langford. Gase will be in a quality position to find that balance the Bears have so desperately been searching for if he has all the weapons healthy.

If Jeffery isn't on the field, Gase's hands will be tied. Cutler would be counting on Royal and question marks at receiver.

"He's got to be that guy that Jay can count on in those sticky situations, and I think he's become that," Royal said of Jeffery.

A strong case can be made for Jeffery for being the Bears' most indispensable player, as his ability to dominate is something few receivers can match and his presence makes a defense make tough decisions.

More than anything, the Bears just need Jeffery on the field.

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.

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