Bears Blitz

Published by Zack Nally on February 9, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

This article is also featured on NFL Soup.

In an interview this morning, new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz made the comment that wide receiver Devin Hester would be “stupid good” as a slot receiver, a far cry from Hester’s normal starting role.

Since Hester joined the team in 2006, head coach Lovie Smith has made it abundantly clear that he firmly believes Hester has the potential to become a number one receiver in the NFL.

Well, apparently nobody told Hester. To be fair, though, Hester wasn’t the one who placed himself as the starting receiver and it wasn’t Hester who predicted that would eventually become a great NFL wide out. 

As a return specialist, the speedy wideout shined, opening up Super Bowl 41 with an electric kick return for a touchdown. As a starting receiver, though, Hester has struggled, amassing only 128 catches for eight touchdowns in his four years as a Bear. 

After the 2009 season showed that Chicago has the necessary receiving weapons in Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox, it was Hester’s future that was now in question. When asked about him possibly returning next year as a full-time return man, Hester had this to say:

“I wouldn’t doubt it. To be honest, I really don’t know, I would love to get back in that situation with the return game, but at the same time like I told coaches I’m a team player, so wherever ya’ll want me to go, I’m willing to do it.”

There is no question that Hester has the athletic ability to be a stellar return man. In his career, he’s returned eleven kicks for touchdowns, a stat that stands alone in today’s game. 

Hester added, “I know what I’m best at, and the return game is my bread and butter, so if I had to cut back on my receiving and go back to the return game, that’s something I would love to do.”

Hester’s potential as a slot receiver also has Chicago fans excited. Mike Martz told the press, “What we can do with him inside, the matchups we can get with him on third corners, safeties and linebackers would be absolutely remarkable.

Lovie Smith is still convinced that Hester is his number one, so the final decision will fall to him, but with the way things are panning out, it looks like Hester may be Chicago’s return specialist once again. 

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