Cutler, Hester Must Bridge Gap

[beareezyfaneezy]

Seems more likely that Hester will be gone...

After Devin Hester told the Tribune that a change of scenery could be a good thing, many wondered why the Bears receiver/return specialist would bypass a chance for a fresh start under a new coaching staff.

It's not that simple.

Coach Marc Trestman brings a new offensive philosophy to town, but Hester doesn't see himself fitting in. Why? The answer is simple: Hester and quarterback Jay Cutler aren't on the same page.

Former Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake explained it best last week.

"They need to sit down and get to know each other better, which I don't know if that will ever happen," Drake said. "I think it's both of them just being able to understand each other.

"Jay is a tough, tough-minded guy. He looks at things a lot differently. Devin is more of a compassionate-type of guy. They're total opposites. At times, that probably made things a little bit tougher. But could they co-exist? Sure, if they both work at it. But it takes both of them to do it."

When Hester was asked if he needed to sit down with Cutler to iron out their differences, there was silence for a couple of minutes. "If I was to be here, then yes," Hester said. "I think so."

Full article here.

[mac]

Hester is good as gone ,When you say things like my mind was not really in to it, being paid that kind of money ,Your done .
I feel there are no way in hell Hester remain on that team

[The Kaiser]

Wonder what we can get for Hester in a pre draft trade? Move up 10 spots in R2? Maybe a 4th or 5th rounder? I actually agree, I have a feeling Hester can be productive on another team and he would benefit from a change of scenery. I really like the guy; he's ridiculous.

[Mikefive]

Wonder what we can get for Hester in a pre draft trade? Move up 10 spots in R2? Maybe a 4th or 5th rounder? I actually agree, I have a feeling Hester can be productive on another team and he would benefit from a change of scenery. I really like the guy; he's ridiculous.

I'd be shocked if anyone traded a cup of coffee for Hester. The reason? Money. We're talking about a guy who has shown no special return abilities in over 2 years. He's 31 years old, having already crossed over the 30 threshhold where speed guys often go downhill. And he certainly didn't look like a passing game asset over the last couple of years. If he was making under $1M, a team may very well take a shot. But at $2.5M there's absolutely no way they give up a draft pick for him.

[findawg]

He states that he knows his head wasn't in it and then proceeds to say he and Cutler need to get on the same page. How about you run the right routes and maybe Cutler will start throwing the ball your way a little more. Devin Hester, grow up.

[DaSuperfan]

It's just a personality clash. Hester seems like he doesn't take criticism very well and Cutler is a no-nonsense type of leader where he expects the WR's to be in the right spot at the right time. So when Hester makes mistakes, Cutler probably lets him know about it and Hester is too sensitive to take it. If Hester were to stay, it'd be best for both parties if Hester focused solely on Special Teams. Part of being a good leader is treating everyone the same and I'm sure Cutler gets on Marshall when Marshall doesn't do something right. The difference is Marshall knows how to handle it and takes it upon himself to get better. Hester doesn't have the mental toughness to play WR because he pouts.

[Mikefive]

Devin Hester is a formerly extremely gifted athlete--still very gifted to large extent--who is a baby. He has lived by his superior physical gifts to overcome his personality--and I assume intelligence--weaknesses. When he's the bomb, all is well. But now that he's getting older and not dominating, he needs coddled.

Honestly, I don't see how that flies in a locker room full of strong personalities who have made it to the NFL based on combinations of talent, discipline, grit and will.

Boo hoo, Devin. Go to a team who has a babysitter on staff for you. Lovie isn't here any more.

[nomoreshoop]

Good point M5. He is still no Gale Sayers. Gale was, and still is, a tough SOB. he played RB also, which is what Hester should be doing.

[green18]

Maybe Trestman will put an end to all this WR nonsense once and for all and just let DH return punts and kickoffs. And possibly use him in a Darren Sproles/Percy Harvin role. There's still gas in the tank.

[PSUmtj112]

Hester is definitely a sensitive guy.

Not sure if this is the right situation for him. I am sure someone out there could use him, possibly Chip Kelly.

[mouse]

He'd probably make Jay happier if he didn't drop half the passes thrown to him.

[Bowsk]

I disagree with the above statement. A good leader doesn't treat everyone the same. A good leader treats his teammates depending on what type of person they are and does whatever it takes to bring out the best in each and every one of them.

[Mikefive]

I disagree with the above statement. A good leader doesn't treat everyone the same. A good leader treats his teammates depending on what type of person they are and does whatever it takes to bring out the best in each and every one of them.

I'd agree with that... In an office environment. But I'd call an NFL team much more like a military environment than that. Would you expect a boot camp sergeant to coddle a sensitive soldier?

[BearsFanInMN]

End of the day Hester hasn't progressed as a WR during his time with the best QB he's had. Weems can handle returns and lets get a solid vet compliment.

Maybe some team will give up a 4 or 5 for him from a marketing he might be able to generate a little buzz for that team.

[The Kaiser]

I'd agree with that... In an office environment. But I'd call an NFL team much more like a military environment than that. Would you expect a boot camp sergeant to coddle a sensitive soldier?

I was thinking along these lines as well. Leadership takes many forms although it sounds nice and sugary to say that a good leader knows how to treat each individual in order to get the most out of his staff/followers/personnel/etc, I would say there are also a lot of examples of good leaders who treat everyone the same-- consistent, fair and firm. And nowhere is this form of leadership more important than in a team environment where each member is depending on the other to do their part.