Chicago Bears Special Teams Must Rise to the Challenge
The last time the Chicago Bears had a kick returned for a touchdown was in 2011 by Devin Hester for 98 yards. The Bears will have to overcome this four-year dry spell in a big way.
There is a great hype and excitement towards the first two phases of the Chicago Bears team. With the return of wide receiver Kevin White and a mirrored partner in Alshon Jeffery, the Bears will have an incredible offensive duo. Add a clutch quarterback in Jay Cutler, a couple of slot receivers in Marc Mariani and Eddie Royal, tight-end Zach Miller and running backs Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey and you have the making of a competitive offensive team.
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The Bears went on to add a solid front line in Bobby Massie, rookie Cody Whitehair and Manny Ramirez to ensure that Cutler stays upright. They went on to Phase 2 by filling the holes in the Bears defense that the team could no longer ignore. The addition of linebackers Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman and rookie Leonard Floyd proved that the Bears personnel and coaching staff were serious about winning games and not staying mediocre.
There was progress in 2015, but not enough to prevent back-to-back kick-off returns by the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks.
In 2015, the Chicago Bears were ranked 21st in opponent kickoff returns against Bear’s special teams. However, the term “special teams” is a catch-all that refers to plays that aren’t typical in offense or defense. A good special teams unit requires good blocking after the kick by several key members whose goal is to limit the starting position of the opposing offense.
Special team units are often made up of backup offensive and defensive players, including the kicker, punter, and long snapper. However, in order to be successful, they need an explosive gunner who is fast, agile and can tackle in the open field.
On the defensive side, the Bears picked up several players in free agency, in the NFL Draft, and in undrafted free agency. Some key players to watch will be Omar Bolden whom the Bears acquired off free agency from the Denver Broncos. According to Pro Football Focus, Bolden is among the top gunners in the league. The Bears need a veteran who can anticipate where the kick returner is going to run and stop him in his tracks.
In kick-off returns, the Bears will use rookies such as wide receiver Daniel Braverman, whose ability to cut in and out on the field may be what the Bears need to awaken the return game missing from special teams since the Devin Hester era. Another up and coming replacement in the return game is wide receiver, Deonte Thompson. He came pretty close last season when he ran for 74 yards against the San Francisco 49ers.
His 29.2-yard average was second in the NFL among players with at least 10 kickoff returns, trailing behind Vikings’ Cordarrelle Patterson (31.8).Thompson signed a prove-it or lose it one-year deal in March of 2016. If he can resurrect and score touchdowns in the return game he will be in for a nice contract the following year.
The Bears also addressed the punting situation by acquiring undrafted free agent Ben Lecompte out of North Dakota State. He can punt and kick so it allows him to be versatile and clutch when needed. The Bears did not have much of an option last season when kicker Robbie Gould struggled to kick the extra points. Bears decided to bring in some competition to the mix and young blood in case Gould is on a decline.
The one to watch on special teams will be rookie safety and sixth-round draft pick DeAndre Houston-Carson. Houston-Carson is a versatile defensive back who could make his greatest impact using his ability to block kicks and play the gunner position. His speed will be a factor as he ran a 4.54 at the Combine which can be used to block kicks or in the gunner position. Houston-Carson also displays football knowledge in seeing where the play will develop and anticipate how to attack.
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If the Bears can build a special teams unit with speed, attack, and purpose, the third phase will be just as vital and impressive to complete an already hungry and passionate Chicago Bears team ready to rise to the challenge.