CHICAGO -- Maybe Alshon Jeffery’s critics will soften their stance after Sunday.

When Jeffery’s surprising (and disappointing) four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy was announced two weeks ago, it caused an angry backlash.

Some suggested the Bears should simply wash their hands of Jeffery and let him walk in the offseason. Others said Jeffery can no longer be trusted after he took what he described as a “recommended supplement.”

Look, Jeffery made a stupid mistake. Professional athletes are responsible for what goes into their bodies, and Jeffery is paying a steep price. He will forfeit $3.435 million worth of his 2017 salary.

But did you watch Sunday's game against the Titans? The Bears dropped eight passes -- seven by their receivers, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The eight tied for the most by any team in the last 10 years, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Forget about Jeffery -- how can any of the Bears’ current receivers be trusted?

The miscues were endless, and they happened at the most inopportune times. It’s easy to pile up gaudy statistics when games are seemingly out of reach, but a professional athlete’s true character is revealed in crunch time. The Bears’ wideouts fumbled away numerous chances to stun the Titans, who had no answer for red-hot Matt Barkley in the fourth quarter.

Barkley put the ball on the money, and his receivers folded. That's the story of the game.

This brings us back to Jeffery.

Jeffery is 26 years old with 292 receptions for 4,358 yards and 25 touchdowns.

He is light years ahead of Marquess Wilson, Josh Bellamy, Deonte Thompson, Eddie Royal (toe injury), Kevin White (injured reserve) and Cameron Meredith.

Now, Meredith looks the part. He's a keeper. Meredith did not play well against the Titans -- two catches for 19 yards on nine targets -- but he's shown enough to warrant future consideration. White will be on the team in 2017 because he was the seventh overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. He’s not going anywhere, even though White’s availability will again be a major storyline next year.

But even if White stays healthy (a big “if”) in 2017, the Bears need more than two receivers.

How are the Bears better without Jeffery?

Why would a team with so many holes create another one if it doesn’t have to?

Don’t scoff at using the franchise tag again. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday the Redskins intend to tag quarterback Kirk Cousins for another year if they cannot sign him to a multiyear deal. That remains an option for the Bears if they still feel unsure about Jeffery.

But 2017 is shaping up to be a make-or-break season for everyone in the building. Why would the Bears chase off their best playmaker on offense? Sunday reaffirmed there is no one in place to fill Jeffery’s shoes.