The 10 Most Important Bears of 2014 - #4 Brandon Marshall

In 2014 Brandon Marshall may not be the leading receiver for the Chicago Bears. Last year Alshon Jeffery surpassed his yardage total and this year he might get his reception total too. Jeffery may even get him in the touchdown category as well, but that doesn't mean Jeffery is more important to the team than is Marshall.

In the immortal words of The Highlander, 'There can be only one', and Brandon Marshall is still the #1 wide receiver on the Chicago Bears.

Playing with Marshall definitely helped Jeffery to his break out 2013 season. Teams can't consistently shift coverage or double team Jeffery with Marshall playing at such a high level. With the two dynamic playmakers on the field it forces defenses to stay honest; these two wide outs will benefit from each other's presence in 2014.

Jeffery probably has the more consistent hands of the two, but Marshall has him beat in other categories. I'd say both are very good route runners, but Marshall is more meticulous in and out of his breaks. The 6'4", 230 pound Marshall is the best blocking wide receiver in the NFL and he's better with the ball in his hands after the catch.

Then of course there are the intangibles that Marshall brings to the team.

Brandon Marshall is a leader in that Bears locker room and it's been that way since the trade that brought him to Chicago. He's made mistakes in his past, but he's learned from them. He's sought out help for his borderline personality disorder and he's become a spokesperson for mental health awareness.

He's relished his role as mentor to the younger Bears players and whether he wears the Captain's C on his chest or not, he is a leader of the Bears. He's put his time, money and effort into building bonds with his teammates. He's a passionate football player that has become the emotional pulse of the Chicago Bears.

Plus he can do this...

and this...

and this...

What are your expectations for Brandon Marshall in 2014?