SAN DIEGO -- All Marcus Robinson needed was a chance. It was something former
Bears coach Dave Wannstedt never gave the young receiver.
But the new regime and coach Dick Jauron felt there was potential in the
6-foot-3 Robinson, and so did his teammates. Now everybody can see it.
"He wasn't the MVP of the World League (of American Football) for nothing,"
receiver Curtis Conway said. "I knew what he was capable of. He's a big-time
player."
Without much argument, Robinson could possibly be the Bears' most valuable
player this season.
His 163 yards receiving in Sunday's 23-20 overtime win over San Diego was his
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fourth 100-yard receiving game this year.
His six touchdowns lead the team and he needs only 33 more yards to record
1,000 yards for the season.
"It's kind of like a dream," Robinson said with a smile. "I still can't believe
it's happening."
What's most impressive about Robinson is that he's making big plays at crucial
times despite double-coverage. He hauled in three passes of 30 yards or more
Sunday. Efforts like that are making Robinson look like a Pro-Bowl candidate in
only his third year in the league.
"I hope he keeps doing it," Bears offensive tackle James Williams said. "He's
getting better every week. I just hope it never stops."
* REUNION TIME: The Bears almost got bit by the hands that once ate from them.
San Diego receiver Jeff Graham dropped a pass in the end zone from Jim Harbaugh
with nine seconds left in the game. If the former Bears were to have hooked
up, it would have given the Chargers the victory. But instead, it set up John
Carney's 28-yard field goal to force overtime.
"I dropped it," Graham said bluntly.
Graham had five catches for 83 yards, while Harbaugh was 29 of 46 for 273
yards and two touchdowns.
* BLESSING IN DISGUISE: Bears receiver Curtis Conway returned to the lineup
after missing five games with a sprained ankle. He caught four passes for 24
yards and took plenty of big hits. He almost came up with the game-winner in
the end zone in overtime.
Nontheless, Conway believes his injury allowed teammates like Robinson, Bobby
Engram and Marty Booker to shine.
"My injury was a blessing for this team," Conway said. "Of course, I didn't
want it to happen. But it was great for the team."
* MORE TO COME: Robinson's 163 yards and Bobby Engram's 121 yards on eight
catches mark the second straight week the Bears have had two 100-yard
receivers. ... All three former Bears' quarterbacks were active Sunday for San
Diego, including Moses Moreno, who was activated for the first time this
season. Erik Kramer was listed as the third quarterback, but was not in uniform
because of an injury. ... Curtis Enis' third quarter rushing touchdown was his
first touchdown since Week 2. ... Running back James Allen got the start Sunday
in the Bears one-back set.