Bears Football Blog

Lovie wants Hester to continue punt returns

It seems reasonable for Devin Hester to get less work on special teams as he continues to evolve into a No. 1 receiver. Of the 32 receivers with 60-plus catches last season, only four -- Wes Welker, Steve Breaston , Eddie Royal and DeSean Jackson -- doubled as primary punt returners.

But even with a couple of capable rookies at the Bears' disposal, coach Lovie Smith has no plans to give Hester a break from punt-return duties. "No way," he said. "Devin has the chance to score every time. If one of those [rookies] is a better returner than Devin, then we will put them back there.

"Devin can be a full-time receiver and handle one other return." Continue

Lovie taking hands on approach with D

Ask Bears coach Lovie Smith about his added responsibilities as defensive play-caller, and immediately he goes into beat-cop mode, ushering curious onlookers from a crime scene: ''Nothing to look at here. Move along.''

Change might be afoot, but Smith downplayed his new dual role as head coach and de facto defensive coordinator, even as he makes aggressive moves to ensure high impact in that role.''I've been involved throughout, and I am involved now,'' he said. ''You won't see much of a difference.'' Continue

Pressure on Lovie and staff

Lovie Smith would never say so, but you had to wonder if that's what he thought over the weekend after hearing general manager Jerry Angelo's plans to tweak rather than transform the Bears' roster. Knowingly or not, Angelo turned up the heat a notch on Smith by identifying coaching and attitude as the biggest reasons for optimism heading into 2009.

Don't expect any quick-fix, big-ticket free agent signings, Angelo said. Don't count on the NFL draft for an instant cure. Don't hold your breath waiting for that blockbuster trade either.

But by all means, do trust the Bears' coaches to improve the attitude—and thus the record. Continue