As a return man, Devin Hester was one of a kind. As a "number one receiver," he's a work in progress. But as Hester focuses on his duties as a receiver, he's expected to be used on returns less.
Hester already gave up his kick return duties during last season and it doesn't look like he'll take them back any time soon. Now, Hester is indicating that the Bears may pick their spots for when to use him on punt returns.
"I feel like at punt returns there are going to be opportunities where we're going to need big returns," Hester said. "With all the success we've had at the return game, it would be real crazy to just give it up now."
Hester doesn't want to give up his punt returns yet, but he could imagine doing that in the future. He believes his receiving duties hamper his returns, and his stats from last season back him up.
"I think a return man simply has to be a return man,'' Hester said. "There's really no other position he should go out and play. . . . It's a beast. You see guys show glimpses of it, but they never had a full return game. Look at Deion Sanders, a great returner, but you never saw him take over the full job as punt returner and kickoff returner. You can't do it."
It's uncertain if the Bears will limit Hester's punt returns for the right situation, like Deion's teams often did. The Chicago Tribune calls it the "logical next step" and the Sun-Times wouldn't be surprised if it happened.
One thing is certain: The Bears are taking a risk if they continue to decrease Hester's returns.
Hester, the receiver, had better be worth it.
He ought to do well on returns against the vikings.
The vikings were 32nd in yards allowed on punt returns. Also were NFL worst in TD's allowed on punt returns.
The Lions gave up only 2/3 the yards of the vikings (yet 21% punts) and were 26th in yards allowed on punt returns. They were tied for 2nd TD's allowed on punt returns.
Those 4 divisional games ought to get Hester a lot of yards.....and highlights and pad his statistics.
Would Hester be as good if a quarter of his games were not against weak teams like the vikings?
Orton and Grossman are gone. Cutler is in. Hopefully, one more mediocre year will end the "Hester" experiment.
Doesn't return kickoffs, limited punt returns, and mediocre receiving numbers... the future is suddenly looking a bit dim for Devin.
Good thing Chicago didn't overpay him...
In the history of the NFL I don't think any player has had 4 return TD's in more than one season.
Washed UP!
He should focus on returns and that is it! Hester is the best return man I've seen in many years. If he plays offense then give him screens and end arounds to let him make plays. Other than that, let him be. He's not a receiver. He's a playmaker!
Once this clown got a 30 million dollar contract he hasn't seen the end zone via special....He probably won't ever again
Johnnie Lee Higgins was a better punt returner last year, and would have been the better receiver as well, had the Raiders thought about getting an actual offensive line.
I don't understand... The man did so well on returns, why make him a receiver? Why not pitch the ball to him in the backfield like a running back, and let him do what he does best? Getting a running start and then dodging tackles is his skill set, so put him in situations to use his skill set.
Draft Hester in your fantasy league. I promise you will thank me later. I watched him closely towards the end of last season and he was absolutely torching secondaries. Orton simply couldn't get the ball to him. With Cutler at QB, Hester will be cleaning up on deep bombs. He should also get lots of screens and other targets with only Olson to contend with, and he will the be the fantasy steal of the year.
# Whatever says: July 14, 2009 11:34 PM
Draft Hester in your fantasy league. I promise you will thank me later. I watched him closely towards the end of last season and he was absolutely torching secondaries. Orton simply couldn't get the ball to him. With Cutler at QB, Hester will be cleaning up on deep bombs. He should also get lots of screens and other targets with only Olson to contend with, and he will the be the fantasy steal of the year.
I hope your in my fantasy league.
How can he be a WR with the #23? That's bullshit.
He should probably stick to returning kicks. He isn't a true #1 reciever and its painfully obvious. Maybe the Bears will pick up a good reciever next season in the first round, Oh wait they gave it to the Broncos for Cutler...Must suck to be a Bears fan right about now. Go Giants!