What's up with Hester?

[Mikefive]

1. On the positive side, two OVER THE SHOULDER catches in consecutive weeks for big gainers. This is something Hester simply has not been able to do. But now he's finally figured it out. I'm not ready to declare him Lovie's "#1 WR". But this is a real positive sign, adding the big play versatility that he has lacked as a WR.

2. On the negative side, Hester has not been the Hester of old on returns this year. Part of me has wondered if he has a minor injury. But that he's done #1 above argues against it. It kinda looks like our KR team just may not be as good at creating lanes as in years past. At the same time, Hester looks very hesitant to make that sudden upfield move we've seen him do, instead settling for east and west. So which is it?

[Wounded Bear]

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm so sick of this guy running east to west. Do we still miss Ayanbadejo or do we need to get a new punt returner.

[The Kaiser]

I don't mind the lateral runs from time to time. It is from those that he will find his cut back lanes and make the big run. I'm very willing to forgo the 5-7 yards he make be giving up on punt returns by running straight forward in order to possibly break the big one from time to time.

[Biggix]

Let's get Weems in there to do some PR's if he does the same then I lean the ST as a whole is not as good as years past. If Weems does well...

[LeeGenius]

Nothing is really wrong with him. He has had a couple of returns this year that were 1 block/man away.

Also, our defense is getting so many turnovers and scores that he is getting less punt return opportunities.

It'll come.

[BearsFanInMN]

His receiving has gotten much better, I'm sure some of that can be contributed to not having to be the main guy and just let things come to him.

He hasn't looked as good on returns. I know he went through a slump awhile back and he broke out. Not sure if it's our ST, coaches having a lot of info on his tendencies/our system, or just that what he does isn't easy and we've come to expect more than maybe we should. Agree if Weems would get a shot and make a noticeable difference then we know it's Hester.

[steelcitysledge]

Ruined™


Go Bears!

J

[Lake Shore Drive]

His receiving has gotten much better, I'm sure some of that can be contributed to not having to be the main guy and just let things come to him.

He hasn't looked as good on returns. I know he went through a slump awhile back and he broke out. Not sure if it's our ST, coaches having a lot of info on his tendencies/our system, or just that what he does isn't easy and we've come to expect more than maybe we should. Agree if Weems would get a shot and make a noticeable difference then we know it's Hester.

That slump was quite similar to his current one, which is what WB just alluded to - Hester's penchant from running east-west thinking somehow he can outrun the coverage. He can't.

One thing that might help is to remove him from one of the primary return duties. If I recall, he seemed to bust out of his slump when this happened the last time. It's too much to be both the primary PR and KR, plus be involved in so many of the plays from scrimmage, which will likely increase now that AJ is out for X length of time. Something has to give here.

[Bear Bernie]

In regard to Hester's punt returns, I think the other teams are being more conscientious about where Hester catches the punts. Time after time it seems that he is catching the ball 1-3 yards from the sideline, thus pinning him in. Some of the blame/credit for his lack of yardage on returns has to be given to the opposition's special teams coordinators and the opposition's execution. He never seems to catch a punt in the middle of the field anymore. I still believe he will get some big returns, but not as many as before.

[Lake Shore Drive]

In regard to Hester's punt returns, I think the other teams are being more conscientious about where Hester catches the punts. Time after time it seems that he is catching the ball 1-3 yards from the sideline, thus pinning him in. Some of the blame/credit for his lack of yardage on returns has to be given to the opposition's special teams coordinators and the opposition's execution. He never seems to catch a punt in the middle of the field anymore. I still believe he will get some big returns, but not as many as before.

I agree - Devin is definitely doing to much east-west returning, but you're right in that teams are doing a better job of making it ever more difficult for him to bust on in various ways such as what you described.