Chicago Sun Times:Bears select Gage over Bradley at WR (scouting article)

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http://www.suntimes.com/output/sports/cst-spt-bear06.html

September 6, 2005

BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter

For a guy who had a hard time staying on the roster last year, Justin Gage is in good position.

Gage will start at wide receiver opposite Muhsin Muhammad on Sunday against the Washington Redskins, holding off a strong bid by rookie Mark Bradley for the job.

Banished last season to the bottom of the depth chart by ex- offensive coordinator Terry Shea, who had a preference for pint-sized performers like Daryl Jones, Gage has battled his way back. Despite making only three receptions in five preseason games, he maintained the job that was his when training camp opened.

''I'm excited about the opportunity to be in the mix of things and make things happen,'' said Gage, a sixth-round pick in 2003. ''I want to prove Terry Shea wrong.''

Gage played in all 16 games last season and made two starts, but had only 12 receptions after looking primed for a breakout at the end of 2003. Shea had a stated preference for ''quick twitch'' receivers, and at 6-4, 212 pounds, Gage is a long strider with deceptive speed. Even his knack for making plays on smaller defensive backs and his ability to stretch the field did not appeal to Shea.

''Last season was the toughest thing I've had to go through,'' Gage said. ''Not really getting an opportunity to be on the field, and then going through a season like that where your offense is last in the league, that hurt. That reflects on you and the guys you come to work with.''

The decision was a mild surprise to some after Bradley made 17 catches for 331 yards and a touchdown in an eye-opening summer. The second-round pick from Oklahoma is the most athletic player the Bears have had on the roster in general manager Jerry Angelo's regime.

''I've said all along it doesn't matter who starts the game,'' wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said. ''It doesn't necessarily mean the starter is going to play the majority of the time. It depends on the flow of the game, it depends on what the game plan is, it depends on what we're trying to do.

''[The decision] is clear cut, but it's always going to be fluid.''

The first team did not get a lot of reps in the preseason to allow Gage big statistics, and quarterbacks didn't go his way a handful of times when he was open. Gage said his numbers might have been kept down because the Bears didn't go deep into the playbook, too.

However, Bradley would seem to be the best complement for Muhammad because he has the most speed. Gage is probably the receiver most like Muhammad in terms of what he does well.

''I'm not bummed,'' Bradley said. ''I showed what I could do on the field. I had a good preseason, but Justin has experience in the game and I am just a rookie. It really boils down to making plays, regardless of who the starters are.''

Bobby Wade figures to get ample time in three-receiver sets as a dependable option over the middle. Bernard Berrian will get his opportunities, too. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has said five receivers will be in the mix. Berrian is battling two fingers on his left hand that were dislocated in training camp.

Berrian saw a hand specialist last week and rest was given as the only option for healing them, meaning he will battle the problem all season.

''They all stepped up and met the challenge in camp,'' Turner said. ''Justin did a good job. He did what he was supposed to do. When he had opportunities, he took advantage of them. For a receiver, that's all you can do. Sometimes you don't have opportunities to make plays, but when he had them, he did a good job taking advantage of them.

''So did the other guys. I consider that we have more than one starter [at that position].''

[MartinC]

Muhammad will be seeing a lot of Shawn Springs with Sean Taylor coming over the top as well. Mind it willnot matter whoiscovering him if Orton is face down wondering what city he is in ..................