The addition of Eric Weems and Devin Thomas, two players with experience as kickoff returners, has the left the Chicago Bears with an interesting question: Should Devin Hester be relieved of all kickoff-return duties in 2012? "We have that versatility now," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We added another good player into the (kick-return) mix in Devin Thomas." The Bears had the luxury of limiting Hester’s kickoff returns during the 2009 season, when Johnny Knox and Danieal Manning combined for 60 returns. Hester had just seven kickoff returns that year as he caught a career-high 57 passes. The Bears seem even more intent on making Hester an integral part of the offense at wide receiver -- even despite the addition of top target Brandon Marshall -- which is likely to encourage them to limit or totally eliminate Hester's work on kickoffs. Source: Chicago Tribune
The Bears are stupid for not having Hester the full time kick and punt returner until the day he retires. He will never be a great receiver, but he's the greatest return man in NFL history though.
In other news, The Broncos are considering relieving Peyton Manning of quarterback duties so he can focus on kicking.
Not the first time they have tried to make him a WR and not have him return kicks. In the end, they always go back to him back there. Why try to stop the best return man in NFL history from doing what he does best? Here's a thought. Develop a WR.
