Special Teams is a Problem

[ASHKUM BEAR]

56 minutes ago, AZ54 said:

 Exactly. These days 1.3m is barely above a practice squad salary.  

I understand the salary isnt much. It's him taking a roster spot when his only value is his return ability.  Id rather have a player that is a 3rd RB or 4th WR, like Burden.  If he was above average, sure but not sure he is even there.

[AZ54]

27 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I understand the salary isnt much. It's him taking a roster spot when his only value is his return ability.  Id rather have a player that is a 3rd RB or 4th WR, like Burden.  If he was above average, sure but not sure he is even there.

On that I agree.  

[Pixote]

34 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I understand the salary isnt much. It's him taking a roster spot when his only value is his return ability.  Id rather have a player that is a 3rd RB or 4th WR, like Burden.  If he was above average, sure but not sure he is even there.

Our special teams blocking on our returns is no better than our tackling when the opposition returns. I can't say I am impressed by either group.

 

[BearFan PHX]

45 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I understand the salary isnt much. It's him taking a roster spot when his only value is his return ability.  Id rather have a player that is a 3rd RB or 4th WR, like Burden.  If he was above average, sure but not sure he is even there.

yeah, this is definitely the thing, you were right about that, Id like to see Burden (when hes healthy) get a shot. Youre right Duvernay isnt that good - I was just pointing out the money isnt an issue, it is, as you say, about the roster spot.

[Stinger226]

Definitely we can do better than Hightower but there is a lot of good coaches in the room that would contribute to helping the STs. Correct me if Im wrong but is most of the STs comprised of LBs, DBs, and a few RBs and WRs? We have had injuries in the DB and LB group that has second stringers who would normally be playing ST starting and now young inexperience players are taking those spots. I think continuity in special teams is just as important as the OL needs it to be. Hightower will not be here next year but if we changed now would that do any good?  

Why was Daniel Hardy on the onside kick play? Young guy with very little experience. I would think WRs and RBs would be the bulk of players out there.

 

[adam]

56 minutes ago, Stinger226 said:

Definitely we can do better than Hightower but there is a lot of good coaches in the room that would contribute to helping the STs. Correct me if Im wrong but is most of the STs comprised of LBs, DBs, and a few RBs and WRs? We have had injuries in the DB and LB group that has second stringers who would normally be playing ST starting and now young inexperience players are taking those spots. I think continuity in special teams is just as important as the OL needs it to be. Hightower will not be here next year but if we changed now would that do any good?  

Why was Daniel Hardy on the onside kick play? Young guy with very little experience. I would think WRs and RBs would be the bulk of players out there.

 

To me it is scheme-related, not necessarily effort on the players' part. I am going to do a ST review this week of all kickoffs and see if I can see anything that stands out. From the tv view, it always looks like the Bears players are out of position.

[Pixote]

This article from SI.com echoes many of our thoughts on our special teams performance.

The Bears' special teams were less than special against Bengals in Week 9