Lost Amoung The Loss: Devin Hester Looks Like a Real Receiver!
Published by Max Kienzler on September 14, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Lost among the debacle that was the Bears crushing defeat this past Sunday was the show put on by Devin Hester.
Hester has been criticized often during the past off season by many who wish him to be strictly a return man and not be a wide receiver. Sports writers and fans a like have not thought that Hester could make the difficult transition, and looking at his numbers last year, both return and receiving, they looked right.
But if Sunday is any indication, Hester the receiver is here to stay.
While his final numbers were by no means jaw dropping, they were solid considering the nightmarish first half Jay Cutler suffered through.
Hester finished with four receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown.
But let’s not just look at the final numbers… Let’s look at each catch.
The first reception was in the first quarter on the second drive the Bears had. Hester ran an out route and made an excellent catch 20 yards down field, keeping control of the ball as he was pushed out of bounds by Al Harris. Hester last year would not have made the play.
The second reception was later in the same drive on a wide receiver screen. He sliced through several small holes and gained ten yards and another first down.
His third reception was not until the third quarter but it was beautiful. Hester basically just ran right past the cornerback and beat safety Nick Collins down field to score on a 36 yard pass.
His last reception was in the fourth quarter. It was another short pass into the flat, but he juked Charles Woodson out of his shoes and then ran for another 24 yards before being brought down.
Four catches = three first downs and a touchdown. His routes looked solid, his hands were soft and his shiftiness was there.
Combine his speed with Johnny Knox’s and defensive backs are going to have to respect the deep ball.
So while most on the offensive side of the ball did not show up to play this past weekend, Hester did. And that at least is encouraging for the future.
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