QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Jul 11, 2012 -> 08:40 AM)
A lot of that average starting field position came when kickoffs were on the 30, meaning that Hester either got the ball and got a good return, or they squib kicked it and got good field position anyway. Since last year, pretty much all drives after kickoffs start on the 20 for all teams.
Yes, Hester is more likely to return a punt than a kickoff for a TD, but his overall impact on field position was greater on kickoffs. Also, some teams are getting better at directional punting.
Devin Hester had three returns for touchdown last year alone. His value hasn't been stunted much, if at all. Also, I like how you throw out "some teams are getting better at directional punting". Right. Great stat.