The Pro Football Writers of America have selected Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery as the NFL's most improved player in 2013.
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| Alshon Jeffery soars over a defender to haul in a 46-yard TD in Minnesota. |
Jeffery recorded the two most prolific receiving games in Bears history in 2013 with 249 yards against the Vikings and 218 yards versus the Saints. The previous single-game record of 214 yards by Harlon Hill had stood since 1954. In the process, Jeffery became one of only eight players in NFL history to produce two 200-yard games in the same season.
Jeffery made spectacular touchdown catches in three straight games late in the season against the Vikings, Cowboys and Browns. His 45-yard TD on a jump ball between two defenders in Cleveland helped give the Bears a crucial 38-31 win that put them in control of their own playoff destiny.
The 2012 second-round pick from South Carolina also set a Bears record for rushing yards by a receiver with 105.
Jeffery was selected to the Pro Bowl along with two teammates, fellow receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Matt Forte. This season marks the first time the Bears have had two receivers voted to the all-star game.
Past winners of the PFWA's Most Improved Player of the Year Award include Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (2012), Giants receiver Victor Cruz (2011), Texans running back Arian Foster (2010), Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (2009) and Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (2008).
