Chicago Bears WR Rashied Davis: Fact or Fiction?

by Mark Saade on Jun 21, 2010 3:00 PM CDT in News

A few days ago on ChicagoBears.com, there was an article praising one of the least admired players on the Bears roster, wide receiver Rashied Davis. According to the article, Davis has shown tremendous catching ability and has stood out among a group of more well known pass catchers.

We have heard this story before, however. Last season, after the Jay Cutler trade, much focus was given on who will catch the ball from Cutler. In early ’09 OTA news, Bears receivers coach Daryl Drake could not stop talking about Davis; his great work ethic, toughness and ability to learn.

Davis finished the ’09 season with four catches for 30 yards and zero touchdowns.

So, is this year the same fluffy hype?

There are still some questions at receiver, but it seems that the top five players at the position may be set (#23, #13, #19, #80, and #17?). Factor in rookie hopeful Freddie Barnes and pass catching tight end Greg Olsen, and it seems there are just not enough balls to go around to a sixth, seventh or even eighth receiver. Even in a Mike Martz run offense.

Davis started his NFL career on the defensive side of the ball, coming to Chicago as a defensive back. Prior to that, he played four outstanding seasons in the Arena Football League for the San Jose Saber Cats. He earned the team’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year award in his final AFL season of 2005.

He has spent much of his Bears career on special teams. Either running back kicks or as a gunner on kick coverage, Davis has shown his value to the team as a third phase player.

Moving to receiver in ’06, Davis has shown some flashes as a receiver. Most notably is his late game catch at the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 that gave the Bears the lead with only 11 seconds left in the game. Let’s just remember that memory, and not the last eleven seconds.

The knock on him has been his tendency to drop passes. The Bears have been a little thin at receiver since making the Super Bowl, thus Davis was given his chance to make his move from special teams standout, to starting receiver. Unfortunately, he could not take full advantage of his opportunity.

Rashied is the type of guy you want to root for. He’s smaller than most players at his position; he’s not as fast or strong. He has proven that with hard work and determination even the underdog can make it in this league.

But for some reason I am not convinced. The Bears seem to be in a good place at receiver and if they feel the need to, they can pick up a proven veteran (T.O, Coles or Curtis). So I ask, is the article on the Bears website just a ploy to make Davis look better than he is so that we can get some trade value for him? Or, is he really stepping up his game and will force a young receiver to take a back seat at least for the near future?

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Comments

I personally don't care

Nor do I see why there’s all this hate for Davis on the site. I want the best receivers on the field, if Davis proves to be one of those this year then so be it. I’ll admit Mr. Mayer gets paid to write these feel good stories that might stretch the truth a bit, but like I said, if Rashied earns a decent amount of PT this year then good for him.

Aw man I shot Marvin in the face.

by Acreman20 on Jun 21, 2010 3:22 PM CDT reply actions

+1....

granting that Davis has been less than spectacular in limited playing time with the offense last season, he has been a standout on special teams, and whether some here like it or not, the 5th and 6th receivers are special-teamers FIRST. Davis, by virtue of that alone deserves the roster spot. If his receiving skills are earning him additional playing time, as well, then good for him and good for the Bears.

Davis hasn’t been all bad as a receiver. Remember that he not only caught what should have been the game winner in the Atlanta game mentioned above, but he also caught 4 receptions for 84 yards in the divisional round playoff game in ’06 against Seattle, including the clutch reception over the middle in overtime that set up the 49 yard Robbie Gould field goal for the win. Rasheed has had his downs, for sure (See his drop numbers, for starters…..) but he has also had his ups. Add to that the fact that a guy like Davis is important to the special teams unit, and that pretty much means that Davis will likely make the roster, and should make the roster.

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 21, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I beleive

he also caught the game winner against Minn. in ’06 (in the dome)

by chiguy8506 on Jun 21, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

My sentiments exactly

I don’t care who steps up, just makes sure one or two or three of them do so. It seems like they’re set for the first three WR positions with Hester, Knox, and Aroma. Everything else will be icing on the cake if the big-3 make big plays.

"Is there any truth to the rumor that the Bears gave up their first-round pick in 2011 for the decals?" - Someone registered as the DailyNorseman at PFT suggesting the Bears gave up picks in order to get Gaines Adams tribute decals. Stay classy Minnesota fans!

by propheteer on Jun 21, 2010 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions

And Bennett

Looks like he’s running at full speed after his surgery…which is encouraging.

As for Davis’ supporters on this site…well…all I have to say is that I hope you are right for the sake of the Bears and I wish I share your rigorous optimism.

by MetalGearPeaceWalker on Jun 21, 2010 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Nobodies.....

saying Davis should be the X,Y, or Z. But you could definately have a worse 5th or 6th receiver. Seriously. Look around the league and then tell me that other teams 5th or 6th receivers have done more for their team than Davis has done for the Bears. How many 5th or 6th receivers in the league can claim to have been responsible for at least 3 game winning catches in their career? On top of being a top notch special teams performer?

Nobody is claiming Davis should be in the running for a starting spot. But considering all of the things that go into being a 5th or 6th receiver, and that the 5th and 6th receivers first job is special teams, why wouldn’t Davis be a good choice, again?

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 21, 2010 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions

The Saints, Vikings, Packers, and Colts

have done their due diligence with their non-starting WRs…Donald Driver was a 7th round pick for Christ’s sake. Maybe we the Bears will have our spoils with DA (a PS guy) and Davis again (Arena football).

We could go in circles about Davis like so http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2010/5/21/1481805/minicamp-kicks-off-whos-in-and#38257353

I applaud you for your view regarding Davis and nothing would make me happier for him to catch the game winning TD in the Superbowl…but I have a nagging feeling we will see the Davis of ’08 against the Saints and the Vikings (at the dome)…not the most inspiring performances ever toward the later days of his current career.

Hey if our top 4 WRs are healthy throughout the season and Davis is STRICTLY a Special Teams contributor then I think Davis fans and doubters will be happy. Be great if Davis turns into a beast under Martz’s system in the regular season, other than that, I’m done with this conversation.

by MetalGearPeaceWalker on Jun 21, 2010 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Driver is kinda a poor example.....

considering that he was only the 5th receiver his rookie season, spent his second and third season is in the 4th WR spot, and the resto of his career as a starter.

DA is another interesting choice, as he has NEVER been in the roster spot we were discussing. He was cut by the dolphins, after being selected in the 7th round of the ‘07 draft, and then signed to the practice squad by the Colts . He did appear in 6 games, when he was called up due to injuries. But because he wasn’t a special teamer, he was placed on the practice squad until needed. He was then released in ‘08, and spent the entire pre-season on Washington’s practice squad before being released. He was signed by Chicago to the practice squad and spent the entire 2008 season there, because he isn’t a special teams player. In 2009 he was brought up to the 53 man roster, but remained inactive on gamedays for 6 of the first 8 games, Suiting for just 2 and recording no stats, because Rasheed Davis was more valuable as a special teamer, until November 12th, when he recorded his first reception.

Again, nobody here is expecting Rasheed Davis to suddenly tear up the league, or even push into the top 4 receiving slots. But he is the best special teams receiver on the roster (ignoring return men, of course) and that is what we are talking about….the practice excercised around the league of using the 5th receiver slot and beyond as special teams slots first and foremost. Special teams are important. Field position matters. Davis is good for the ST unit. And the 5th and 6th receiver slots are traditionally special teamers first. It’s that simple, brother.

I’m not sure why your in such a twist over the 6th receiver position on the depth chart, which is classically, around the league, filled with special-teamers.

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice convo

Interesting debate about Davis. I’m going to agree with MetalGear here. Other teams do it better with their developmental Wideouts. I’m mean Driver was a 5th or 6th reciever at one point, maybe we will do better with our young wideouts with Martz at the helm. The Colts have shown the way with Collie and Garcon, though having Manning definitely helps.

Anyways I agree with MetalGears assesment that both sides on the Davis debate will be happy if he stays a Special Teamer and our top 4 Wideouts stay healthy and do their thing. T-train i dont think its wrong to have a concern over the Bears 5 and 6 spots since Hester and DA have been injured, and Bennet just had surgery. Like the dude said above, if Davis proves his doubters wrong then the Bears are better for it.

by HouseOfGames on Jun 22, 2010 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't disagree....

with the idea of being concerned about the health of Hester, Bennett or anyone else. BUT, I think it’s unrealistic to believe that you can have 6 starting caliber WRs on a single team. Drive spent only his rookie season in a ST filler slot……because he hadn’t developed into a starting receiver, and remember that he, like DA last season, only suited up for 6 games in his rookie campaign…….because he wasn’t a special teams player.

Every team in the league uses certain slots for STers, because those positions are more important than many realize. Chicago isn’t doing anything different in valuing Davis’s ST contributions than anyone else is.

Example? How ‘bout one that hit very close to home. Do you think Brendon Ayanbadejo is a starter at LB in the NFL? It appears that 3 NFL teams (Miami, Chicago and Baltimore) have all concluded that, no, Brendon is not a starter in this league. Yet he has retained a position because he is a top notch STer. Beyond that, he has only started in emergency situations. NFL teams typically keep extra WRs, RBs, LBs and/or DBs for the sole reason that they are stadnouts on STs. Chicago isn’t bucking any trends here, with Davis. They are doing what they have done for years, and Chicago has consistently has a top ranked ST unit, so I think it works.

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

With Freddie Barnes looking like

the best rookie WR (according to OTA reporters like Michael Wright) on the Bears right now…I would highly be dissapointed in this Bears organization if they keep Rashied Davis over an explosive young talent like Barnes…if Barnes ends up in the PS and gets taken the Bears will pay for it believe me…all because we kept a ST and a Lovie guy in Davis.

by MetalGearPeaceWalker on Jun 30, 2010 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I see Davis having a very similar year as last.

Maybe a few more catches, but nothing significant.

Another thing to think about is we lost Peterson, and Wolfe is on the line. We need to have some of our reliable ST veterans, such as Davis on the roster.

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Stupid babies need the most attention!

by David Taylor on Jun 21, 2010 3:38 PM CDT reply actions

+1

especially to the last point. I don’t see a huge year for Davis. But I see him getting a few more receptions than last year, and providing a veteran presence on special teams that will be a bit more important this season than last, with the loss of Peterson, and the possible loss of Wolfe and Idonije (If Izzy works his way into the starting lineup, he will not be on the special teams units, for sure).

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 21, 2010 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

I tend to agree as well...

I don’t care if he does well or not, I just have trouble seeing how he gets enough opportunities to have success. He’s a good ST guy who will continue to contribute as such, but he’s probably 6th on the depth chart at WR at best. But maybe that’s good enough to expect from him. I almost always root for the underdog, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say R Davis is not a starting WR on this or any other NFL team. He’s a great role player that fills the gaps and adds quality depth at WR and is a vital part of a great ST corps. If he turns out to be another Steve Smith (either one), then great from him, I just think it’s highly unlikely.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!

by LostInSTL on Jun 22, 2010 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree completely with what he said.....

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Wait a minute

You think Izzy’s on the chopping block…I thought he was rated one of our better pass rushers in terms of hurries. I know it’s always a possibility he doesn’t make the roster but I haven’t heard anything otherwise.

by MetalGearPeaceWalker on Jun 22, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

read his next line

(If Izzy works his way into the starting lineup, he will not be on the special teams units, for sure).

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Stupid babies need the most attention!

by David Taylor on Jun 22, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't feel bad, brother.....

I do the same thing a lot………one part of a paragraph just catches my attention, and a miss something else that changed it entirely. I have learned the hard way to read the entire post, no matter how excited I get…..but sometimes I find out that I didn’t learn it well enough, lol :D

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Thats the bottom line

if Rashied beats out whoever for a top 5 slot, then who am I to say he shouldn’t get that spot? I’m thinking he’s got a little stiffer competition this year where in past camps/seasons maybe not and the choices werent as many. Not doggin’ the guy, if this is finally the year…cool. Got to be consistent though, with Martz new system and half the staff( if not all) on notice they better move forward more than a little, drops and ill run routes aint gonna get it done…no matter what your name is. I can still see ST as his gig.

"most football players are temperamental, thats 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental" Doug Plank

by fin4bears on Jun 21, 2010 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

FACT is...

A lot of this hype is FICTION.
He’s not that awful, but no better than a 4th spot receiver, just by looking at his assets and production. I don’t get why some people hate on him even when he didn’t even take the field the previous week, and I also don’t get those people who are always so optimistic and believe every year will be his “breakout” year. Nobody cares how many drops or how many yards per reception Davis gets. Focus on our starters. They’re the ones we depend on.

by GriggsBriggs on Jun 21, 2010 4:01 PM CDT reply actions

he had 1 season with the dropsies

The Bears will carry at least 6 wideouts… and Greg Olsen is NOT A WIDE RECEIVER. They will keep 4 TE/H-Backs and they may not keep a traditional FB around.

Rashied fits the prototype of a Martz receiver, I’m not surprised he’s playing well.

"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 21, 2010 4:04 PM CDT reply actions

Rashied Davis

Yes, I think he’s an underrated ST player too. The best play he’s made so far was that catch in the Metrodome in 06 that won the game and really started that team’s Super Bowl run. I agree that he makes the team this year too-just too valuable to cut after we lost guys like Peterson and McClover.

by walterfan34 on Jun 21, 2010 4:11 PM CDT reply actions

This is an entirely different scheme

so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s turning heads in OTAs. He fits the mold for a Martz WR, so anything is possible with him, but I severely doubt he breaks into the top 3-4 on the depth chart without the aid of an injury.

by propheteer on Jun 21, 2010 4:27 PM CDT reply actions

As we have heard nothing

About any of the undrafted guys like Barnes and as much as I’d like to see Barnes make the team, I do not think Davis will be going anywhere any time soon. He is a solid special teamer and I think that is where his value lies and the coaching staff knows it.

"I was interviewing George Halas and I asked him who is the greatest running back you ever saw. And he said, 'That would be Red Grange.' And I asked him if Grange was playing today, how many yards do you think he'd gain. And he said, 'About 750, maybe 800 yards.' And I said, 'Well, 800 yards is just okay.' He sat up in his chair and he said, 'Son, you must remember one thing. Red Grange is 75 years old.' - Chris Berman

by Sam Householder on Jun 21, 2010 10:41 PM CDT reply actions

Get rid of him

We’re gonna be a pretty violent bunch. ~Lance Briggs

by BearNecessities on Jun 22, 2010 3:45 AM CDT reply actions

Freddie Barnes

It’ll be interesting to see what that kid does come Pre-Season.

by MetalGearPeaceWalker on Jun 22, 2010 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions

It wouldn't surprise me to see him make the roster

but I think the practice squad may be his place

"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 22, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

+1....

with some development on the practice squad, Barnes could be the next DA. I like the kid.

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Cart before the horse...

There needs to be a first DA before there can be a next. I like the guy and hope for the best, but I do think we’re jumping the gun on him a bit.

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Stupid babies need the most attention!

by David Taylor on Jun 22, 2010 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not calling DA a standout WR, yet......

but he is an example of what a few years on the practice squad can do for a players development. He has definitely developed as a player, and he showed flashes of brilliance that he obviously wasn’t displaying before (or he wouldn’t have been on the practice squad in the first place). I was merely pointing out that the move from practice squad regular 3rd WR at the end of last season, and possible 3rd WR this season is a pretty impressive jump that is a bit of a rarity in this league. Not unheard of, of course. But fairly rare.

But you are correct, my dear smudgers, that he still has a lot to prove. He’s not even expected to be one of the top two receivers, yet.

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I got ya.

I honestly do hope he turns out to be half as good as some fans hype him up to be.

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Stupid babies need the most attention!

by David Taylor on Jun 22, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions

+1 brother.....

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jun 22, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Rashied Davis

Super Bowl XLV MVP baby!! Sorry, I keep flashing back to 2006 vs Minn. At least there’s one clutch catch he madei in a meaningful game. I agree, Barnes PS and Rashied will have a more productive year than last year, maybe 10-20 rec while being on the roster for ST.

"We can do it any way you want to. We can go right out back and get it on or you can shape your ass up," Da Coach

by droppopotamus on Jun 22, 2010 9:00 PM CDT reply actions