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Bennett comfortable flying under radar

When Bears receivers are discussed, all the talk seemingly centers around Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, speedy playmaker Devin Hester and promising rookie Alshon Jeffery.

Although Earl Bennett is an afterthought to some, the productive fifth-year pro is comfortable flying under the radar.

“It’s fine with me,” Bennett said. “My thing is to go out and do my job to the best of my ability, continue to go out and compete at a high level and just make plays. That’s what it comes down to.”

There isn’t a more dependable receiver on the Bears roster than Bennett, who has converted all 17 of his third-down receptions into first downs since Week 9 of the 2010 season.

“He’s underappreciated by a lot of people because he’s very consistent,” said receivers coach Darryl Drake. “He does what everybody wants him to do, but I don’t think he will get overlooked in this offense. He’s an integral part, a big part because he does all the subtle things, all the little things.”

Bennett has enjoyed working with first-year coordinator Mike Tice.

“I like how he creates mismatches for guys to be able to succeed,” Bennett said. “This offense is very explosive, and that’s what we want to be as an offense.

“You’ve got the speedster [Hester] and the big guy [Marshall] outside who create a lot of mismatches and attention, and there’s me inside in the slot or outside. I’m just doing what I do best, just getting open and catching the ball.”

With all the weapons the Bears possess on offense, Bennett is excited about the possibilities.

“The sky’s the limit,” he said. “Right now in training camp we’re trying to put all the pieces to the puzzle together. We look good on paper, but we’ve just got to continue to put it together.”