As is all the buzz in the media this week, Devin Aromashodu made the most of his playing time this past Sunday against the Packers, but we need to be careful with our evaluations and opinions of him right now. He did look good, but should we be proclaiming him the Next Big Thing in Chicago?
Let's take a moment to go back in time a few years, November 2004 specifically, and take a look at the Dallas Cowboys. Their first 9 games saw a troublesome rushing attack, with guys like Eddie George, ReShard Lee, and Richie Anderson struggling to rack up any yards or TDs for the Cowboys. Then, enter Julius Jones.
In his NFL debut against the Ravens, he rushed for 81 yards, the second highest rushing effort on the year for the Cowboys. The next week, against Chicago, he exploded for 150 yards and 2 TDs, then followed that performance up against Seattle with 198 yards and 3 TDs.
Thus, a legend was born... at least to the media and the local fans. Jones finished 2004 with 819 yards and 7 TDs, all in 8 games. I remember thinking how, after his first 3 or 4 games, folks were ready to put him into the Hall of Fame. Based on a few games.
But, we all know how this story would take a turn. Jones only rushed for more than 1,000 yards once in any season after that, and his TD total went from 7 his debut season, to 5 the next year... and has never had more than 2 in a season since. Not exactly HOF worthy numbers.
So, my point in all of this, let us not (fans or media) lose perspective on Devin Aromashodu. Let's not decide that he will suddenly be The Guy, that he is the true WR that Cutler has been needing, that Hester, Knox, or Bennett should be knocked down a peg to make room for a guy who has spent nearly his entire NFL career on the Practice Squad.
How about we just wait and see.
On to other news, I've found a couple of articles from 'round the web...
First, #23 talks about all the changes that are coming for the Bears, both in the player ranks and "other areas".
And next, a very good article from Mike Mulligan on who really makes the big decisions for the Bears.
Have fun!