The Chicago Bears knew they’d want to do everything possible to help No. 1 overall Caleb Williams shine as a rookie. (Especially as he annotates all of his critics online.) That’s why they traded for veteran Pro Bowler Keenan Allen. That’s why they picked the gifted Rome Odunze at No. 9 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It was all for Williams and his hopeful success.
But as Chicago’s starters officially wrap up their preseason, a new narrative has emerged about Keenan Allen’s viability as a dynamic playmaker. Specifically, the idea is that he’s lost a step and isn’t burning cornerbacks the way we’re accustomed to seeing him do for years.
After Tuesday’s Bears training camp practice, standout second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was asked for his opinion on the matter. Conveniently, Allen spent the day scoring two touchdowns on his teammate, who defends him one-on-one just about every day.
So of course Stevenson came to the strong defense for a star receiver who has nothing to prove in exhibitions:
I asked Tyrique Stevenson about the narrative that Keenan Allen looks a step slow. In Monday's practice, Allen scored two touchdowns against Stevenson.
Here is what Stevenson said:
"That's none of my business. You're out there every day with us. You see it. People have their…
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 20, 2024
Stevenson’s position is so reasonable.
Allen is an experienced veteran playmaker, albeit older at the age of 32, who has been around the block. Even if he might look “slower,” Allen has nothing to gain from going full-throttle in preseason football. It’s more of a ramp-up period for him to be ready when the games really count so he can conserve his energy and legs. When push comes to shove in the regular season, Allen will likely be there ready to cook helpless defensive backs as he has en route to six career Pro Bowl selections.
And even if he somehow isn’t, again, the Bears drafted Odunze. They are prepared for a scenario where Allen gradually becomes the wily vet who knows how to sit down in open zones while Odunze potentially supplants him in their receiving pecking order.
Any unwarranted “controversy” over Allen suddenly not being a capable weapon is just that — unwarranted.
