Chicago Bears: 5 Players Who Prove Patience Matters

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and tackle Charles Leno (72) congratulate each other as they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and tackle Charles Leno (72) congratulate each other as they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) runs after the catch in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) runs after the catch in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Miller

Truthfully, most people were ready to cut bait on tight end Zach Miller by 2015. Here was a former quarterback trying to make a switch to a new position that had never posted more than 220 yards in a season and missed every game since 2011. The Bears really had no reason to think things would be different, but the front office decided to give him one last shot. He answered with a career year, posting 439 yards and five touchdowns and playing most of the season. Now the unquestioned starter, expectations are for him to have a big year in 2016.

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