Lovie wants Hester to return punts
Tom Loxas | May 03, 2009 | Comments 1
Lovie Smith sees no problem with Devin Hester returning punts and kickoffs, in addition to developing as a receiver. The plan may be to let Daniel Manning concentrate on playing free safety.
It seems reasonable for Devin Hester to get less work on special teams as he continues to evolve into a No. 1 receiver. Of the 32 receivers with 60-plus catches last season, only four – Wes Welker ( Patriots), Steve Breaston (Cardinals), Eddie Royal (Broncos) andDeSean Jackson ( Eagles) — doubled as the primary punt returners.
But even with a couple of capable rookies at the Bears’ disposal, coach Lovie Smith has no plans to give Hester a break from punt-return duties.
“No way,” he said. “Devin has the chance to score every time. If one of those [rookies] is a better returner than Devin, then we will put them back there.
“Devin can be a full-time receiver and handle one other return. And we’re very comfortable with him doing that.”
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Great. Manning can concentrate on playing safety.
How ‘ bout Hester concentrateing on being the touchdown scoring freak he was his rookie year? “The best return man in the history of game” has one good year? Let’s get a big time receiver, put Devin in the slot, then let him be the most rediculous special teams threat of all time…
BEARS