Bears Blitz

Published by Chris Trapasso on December 21, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Devin Hester or DeSean Jackson? That is the question.

Hester made history on Monday in Minneapolis with his 14th career return touchdown. Along with his 64-yard punt return score, a run back that looked like he was shot out of a rifle, Hester had a 79-yard kickoff return to start the second half.

He’s got to be the most feared returner in the NFL, right?

Not so fast.

DeSean Jackson has arrived as a legitimate threat to score every time he touches the football no matter where he is on the field. His 65-yard punt return TD capped a miraculous Eagles’ comeback against the rival Giants in their 38-31 victory last Sunday.

So what’s the verdict? Who’s the best return man in football?

Let’s put these superhuman speedster’s side by side and examine to find the answer.

Devin Hester

5’11”,’ 190 lbs. , age 28 

Speed

Hester has the ideal size to have both long and frequent strides and he seemingly glides across the turf as he runs. His precise 40 time is argued, but you’d have to think Hester could break the 4.4 mark with ease.

Agility

He’s not incredibly shifty, but has incredible quickness and usually relies on one scintillating move to shoot through the seam right as he flips on the boosters.

Resume

Hester’s résumé is the best of the best. Fourteen career return touchdowns (10 punt returns, four kick returns) in nearly five full seasons in the NFL. He’s done it in all circumstances, and his opening touchdown return in Super Bowl XLI against the Colts had cameras flashing all across the stadium.

Swagger

Hester graduated from “The U” at the end of their Pro Bowler manufacturing reign from the late 90’s to the mid 2000s.

It’s impossible to come from the University of Miami without swagger.

Hester doesn’t have a signature celebration dance but is known to high-step it on the final five yards before he reaches the endzone. He’s as smooth as they come and certainly has loads of swagger, and then some.

Devin Hester, the ultimate returner.

DeSean Jackson

5’10”, 175 lbs. , age 24

Speed

Jackson flies. Flat out. He’s much smaller in stature than Hester, but his legs look motorized as he blurs down the sideline. He has the ability to start, stop and accelerate faster than anyone else in the NFL.

Agility

No. 10 is as sleek and slippery as is humanly possible, and his ability to change directions is reminiscent of Barry Sanders. He’s well under six feet tall and that helps him hide behind blockers, and then…he’s gone.

Resume

He’s only returned two kickoffs in his career, but has totaled four punt return scores in his two-plus seasons with the Eagles, none more impressive than his dagger against the Giants.

Swagger

DeSean Jackson has re-defined the word swagger. He knows he’s faster than you. He’ll wink and flash a smirk at you as you dive at his feet, then agonizingly strut into the end zone to put an exclamation point on it all. He’s gotten in trouble for his pre-score celebrations in the past, but he surely knows how to get done in the end zone.

DeSean Jackson, the premier showman/returner in the NFL.

In the end, Devin Hester barely wins out because of his resume, pure speed and consistency along with the fact that he returns both kickoffs and punts.

If we’re talking who’s the better all-around player and receiver, this might be a different story.

Either way, these two flashy phenoms have become the gold standard in kick and punt returning, and the only way to stop them is simple.

Keep the ball out of their hands.

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