LAKE FOREST — New Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga could not comprise his pleasure Thursday night time when the information that surprised the NFL flashed throughout his cellphone.
Keenan Allen, whom Ogbongbemiga performed with for 3 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, is coming to Chicago after the Bears despatched L.A. a 2024 fourth-round choose for the six-time Pro-Bowl broad receiver.
Allen will flip 32 in April, however Ogbongbemiga was adamant Friday throughout his introductory press convention at Halas Hall that the Bears are getting a man nonetheless on the peak of his powers.
“Dog. All day. Got it each day,” Ogbongbemiga mentioned. “From Day 1 of coaching camp to Week 15 or wherever he stopped practising. He gave it his all, and I’m myself like, ‘The dude still got it.’ He received lots of years within the tank. That’s what individuals don’t perceive. They would possibly take a look at his age and query him, however, nah, he’s received the juice. He’s going to convey some particular moments to the town of Chicago. They are going to like him.
“I’m excited. I couldn’t maintain my smile in once I noticed the information. I used to be simply so like, I couldn’t imagine I’d be becoming a member of up with him once more. It’s simply a kind of dudes you play with and also you’re excited you play with and also you wish to be glad and also you wish to say that I performed with Keenan Allen. He’s that kind of participant. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to get one other alternative with him.”
Ogbongbemiga understands the Bears might be breaking in a rookie quarterback this fall.
Justin Fields stays on the roster, however all present indicators recommend the Bears will choose USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams with the No. 1 choose in April’s draft and transfer on from Fields.
If that is the case, Ogbongbemiga is aware of that Allen is the best receiver to present a young quarterback.
“He’s all the time open. It don’t matter who’s throwing him the ball. He’s gonna be open,” Ogbongbemiga mentioned. “So so long as the man can get the ball to him, it doesn’t matter who it’s. He’s going to search out the void within the protection, whether or not you’re enjoying zone, he’s going to get … when you’re in man protection, he’s gonna beat you in man.
“I feel he’s essentially the most quarterback-friendly man, and that claims so much about him. I’m certain he’s going to be missed so much again in L.A., however he’s a quarterback-friendly man, and he’s gonna get lots of targets and usher in lots of receptions.”
Ogbongbemiga additionally spent two seasons with tight finish Gerald Everett, who signed a two-year contract with the Bears throughout free company.
Everett is a transfer tight finish who ought to grow to be an important weapon within the Bears’ offense, no matter who the beginning quarterback is that this fall.
“Dog. Man, I imply, juice,” Ogbongbemiga mentioned of Everett. He’s all the time going to get you some YAC. Gerald is certainly one of a sort in his method. But man, on sport day, you’re keen on enjoying with Gerald as a result of even if you’re down, even when issues aren’t going your method, you simply get him the ball, and Gerald’s going to get you some performs to get all people fired up.
“He’s simply that kind of participant that you simply actually wish to go to battle with. I’m excited to get joined up with these two dudes. Absolute dogs. You simply love watching them, and it’s thrilling to be in Chicago with them.”
Allen and Everett be part of a Bears’ offense that already has star broad receiver DJ Moore, an ascending tight finish in Cole Kmet, and newly-signed working again D’Andre Swift.
General supervisor Ryan Poles has fully remade the Bears’ offense in a single calendar yr. With Allen and Everett within the fold, the offense is about as much as present Williams or Fields with all the pieces required to raise the Bears’ passing attack from disjointed to lethal.
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