Matt Eberflus says this trait is why Bears WR Keenan Allen has remained so productive

It isn't easy to produce in the NFL year after year, let alone for more than a decade at the position's most athletically demanding sport. Wide receiver requires players to maintain speed and quickness to remain productive, but some of the best veterans at the position have proven the ability to play longer than most because of one specific trait: route running.

For Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen, his masterful route running is the secret behind his 11-year-and-counting career. He'll kick off his 12th season in 2024, his first with the Bears, after finishing last year with career highs in receptions (108) and yards (1,243). 

"All the NFL coaches have seen Keenan for a lot of years, and the first thing that comes to mind is that he's crafty," coach Matt Eberflus said from the Bears mandatory minicamp. "He is so crafty with his route running. It seems like he's always open, even when I used to double cover him … He understands his body and understands his way. He's really friendly to the quarterback because he's a really big target and he's very good at what he does."

Allen has never been known as a speedy receiver. It's one of the reasons why his game has lasted so long; he never depended on rare burst or third-level juice to beat defenders. Instead, he's all about the art of the position, making every route look like a go route and snatching ankles along the way. The older he gets, the more productive he's become.

"I think it means your technique and the ways you're able to perform are an art," Allen said. "You're able to just make things look different. You're probably doing the same things, but it looks a little different. You're able to get to it different ways. And it's kind of special the way you draw it up."

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Allen will play the 2024 season on an expiring contract. The Chicago Bears selected Rome Odunze in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft in a move that some have speculated means Allen won't be re-signed. The incentive for a monster season is there.

Indeed, Keenan Allen knows the wide receiver market was just reset by Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson. Dallas Cowboys all-world pass-catcher CeeDee Lamb is up next, as is Cincinnati Bengals stud Ja'Marr Chase. And while Allen's next payday won't come close to what those younger players are making (or will make), a raise is certainly in his future if he has another big year in 2024.

“I’m going to let the play speak for itself,” Allen said. “And if they offer me something that I like, we’ll go from there.”