Cubs News: Allen excited about his QB: "I wouldn’t rather be with another guy" |
CHICAGO—The Chicago Bears made a key pickup in trading for six-time Pro Bowler wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Despite not wearing a Los Angeles Chargers uniform for the first time in his NFL career, Allen is excited about the start of the season. “You’re always excited to go out and get that first game under your belt and just see what kind of team we are,” Allen said. “It’s a little bit different, but it’s still football.” Going into this NFL season, he was expected to be one of the top receivers for Chicago. However, his status for the season opener against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday (Noon / FOX) is currently unknown as he is “day-by-day” with a heel injury. On Wednesday, he is listed on the injury report as being limited in practice. Obviously, Chicago hopes he can play on Sunday. If he does, it will be the third time in his NFL career that he will be one of the top receivers for a quarterback making his first NFL start; the first two were Justin Herbert and Easton Stick with Los Angeles. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has a lot of hype, already drawing comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While Allen did not compare him to Mahomes, he did say the Heisman winner has been improving ever since the beginning of organized team activities (OTAs) back in May. “The expectation is what it always is, winning at the end of the day and no matter who the quarterback is, you want to win. I wouldn’t rather be with another guy right now than Caleb … He’s gotten better ever since we’re started and I think the confidence is through the roof,” Allen said. “He’s gotten better ever since OTAs when we first started and just seeing him just kind of get the terminology, the huddle calls, how to change the plays and everything, I think he’s did a great job.” Part of why Williams has drawn comparisons to Mahomes is his ability to make off-schedule plays, a talent he put on full display in Chicago’s preseason victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. While that has certainly contributed to the hype surrounding Williams, the confidence he exudes is another factor. According to Allen, he knew he was going to be the starting quarterback right away, something that was not the case for Herbert with the Chargers. This has allowed Williams to manage his expectations. “He’s always been the guy. When we first had Herbert, he wasn’t really the starter going into week one. So, that’s a difference, and he’s always been the guy, so he’s always had the expectation of playing at that level that we play at. So, I think he’s ready for it. I think he’s up for the task and his confidence is good,” Allen said. “At any time, he can roll out and make a pass and that’s kind of when he’s at his best, when he’s off schedule throwing those crazy passes off one leg, turning around and stuff. So, you just got to stay alive and just expect it.” There is a little concern with Allen as he is going into the last year of his contract and was yet to sign a contract with the Chicago Bears. However, Bears fans can feel a little better knowing that he is not expecting to reset the market with his deal as he is “not looking to make $35 million.”
