LAKE FOREST, Ill. – New Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz was only a few hours into his first full day in the office Monday when wide receiver Earl Bennett paid him a special visit.

Earl Bennett tied for the Bears' lead in average yards per catch (13.3) in 2009.

“He made a great impression,” Bennett said after meeting with Martz for about 10 minutes at Halas Hall. “He’s a mastermind offensive coach who’s going to spread the ball around and wants to take us to that next level. I’m ready to work hard for him.”

Bennett, a 2008 third-round draft pick, had 54 receptions for 717 yards and 2 touchdowns this past season after not catching any passes in limited action as a rookie.

The former Vanderbilt star is eager to play for Martz, who operated one of the most potent passing attacks in NFL history as an offensive coordinator and head coach with the St. Louis Rams from 1999-2005.

“As a receiver, you’ve got to be excited,” Bennett said. “You’ve got to stay dialed in and get ready for his playbook and just get ready to eat it up.”

Bennett is convinced that Bears quarterback (and former college teammate) Jay Cutler will flourish in Martz’s system. Cutler led the NFL with 26 interceptions in his first season with the Bears in 2009. But he set franchise records with 555 attempts and 336 completions and finished second with 3,666 yards.

Cutler led the Bears to wins over the Vikings and Lions in the final two weeks of the season, becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to throw four touchdown passes in back-to-back games.

“I think we’ll definitely build off those last two games and just look at what we did well and move forward,” Bennett said. “Jay’s a great quarterback, and this season coming up is going to be wonderful.”

Although learning a new offense isn’t easy, Bennett is confident that the Bears will make a smooth transition.

“I’m not concerned at all,” he said. “I’m pretty sure that all of us will be able to get it. I’ll be dialed into my position. We’ve just got to come in and understand our playbook, and I’m sure all of us will get it.”