Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal has admitted that he and quarterback Jay Cutler are working hard to rekindle their rapport after being reunited as a tandem.
The duo had great success in the 2008 season when they were both with the Denver Broncos, as Royal recorded 980 yards and five touchdowns while Cutler passed for over 4,500 yards and 25 touchdowns.
However, Cutler was then traded to the Bears ahead of the 2009 season and the duo were parted for six years before Royal joined the NFC North side three months ago.
The 29-year-old has admitted that he and Cutler are desperately trying to build their rapport.
"It didn't come easy," Royal told reporters. "It wasn't like we just got on the field and everything just happened.
"We put in the work, the extra time in the film room, doing all the little things so that it would pay off on Sundays. That hasn't changed so far.
"We're putting in the same amount of work — if not more — right now, just trying to do everything that we can do so that we're successful on Sundays."
Royal has recorded 338 receptions for 3,750 yards and 25 touchdowns in his NFL career.