The rules that moved the kickoffs up to the 35 pretty much destroyed Hester's value.

Apparently punt returns no longer exist.

 

He returned 3 kicks for touchdowns last year, 2 on punts, 1 on the kickoff. For the last five years, the Bears have ranked among the top three teams in average starting field position, averaging better than the 33. Hester has returned 333 kicks and scored 17 touchdowns (12 on punts, 5 on returns). So, based on a nine-year sample, there is better than a 1-in-20 chance Hester will take a kick to the house.

 

Yup, no value.

The rules that moved the kickoffs up to the 35 pretty much destroyed Hester's value.

 

Not really. Hester's value is in punt returns. He wasn't the best kickoff returner, it doesn't suit his style as much.

Apparently punt returns no longer exist.

 

He returned 3 kicks for touchdowns last year, 2 on punts, 1 on the kickoff. For the last five years, the Bears have ranked among the top three teams in average starting field position, averaging better than the 33. Hester has returned 333 kicks and scored 17 touchdowns (12 on punts, 5 on returns). So, based on a nine-year sample, there is better than a 1-in-20 chance Hester will take a kick to the house.

 

Yup, no value.

 

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.

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.

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.

And to add, he was ineffective for about 1/3 or more of the season because of an injury (was it a hamstring?)

Haven't they decided to move kickoffs back to the 30 anyway?

Also, I like how you throw out "some teams are getting better at directional punting". Right. Great stat.

 

OK, since you're too f***ing lazy to look it up yourself:

 

Bears punt returns:

 

2009: 39 returns, 7 fair catches

2010: 33 returns, 10 fair catches

2011: 30 returns, 16 fair catches

 

Is that enough stat for you?

I'm pretty sure they are staying. The move to the 35 was to cut down on the amount of concussions.

 

Moving kickoffs helped reduce player concussions

OK, since you're too f***ing lazy to look it up yourself:

 

Bears punt returns:

 

2009: 39 returns, 7 fair catches

2010: 33 returns, 10 fair catches

2011: 30 returns, 16 fair catches

 

Is that enough stat for you?

 

How much of that is kicking the ball shorter so that they don't outkick their punt coverage, which gives Hester and the blockers more time to set for a return? And beyond that, if they only had 14 real returns, and Hester returned 2 of those 14 for touchdowns, I'd say his value has been fine.

 

Two stat to look at, if anyone can find them, are net punt average against the Bears and average starting position after a punt. You could also look at touchbacks against on punts and even gross punting average against the Bears. Those will begin to paint a better picture as opposed to returns vs fair catch.

 

Two stat to look at, if anyone can find them, are net punt average against the Bears and average starting position after a punt. You could also look at touchbacks against on punts and even gross punting average against the Bears. Those will begin to paint a better picture as opposed to returns vs fair catch.

 

I'm not aware of anyplace that has stats like that. I stand by my assertion that Hester is getting his hands on the ball less for punt and kickoff returns due to more touchbacks and better punting. I'm not saying the Bears should get rid of him, but that his impact has lessened.

NFL has the top 12.

 

Halftime: The 50 Most-Viewed Sporting Events of 2012 (So Far)

NFL has the top 12.

 

Halftime: The 50 Most-Viewed Sporting Events of 2012 (So Far)

 

I could almost guarantee that the end of an NCAA playoff (not a 4 team one, either) would get significantly higher ratings instead of an arbitrarily chosen conference matchup. Not Super Bowl ratings, but perhaps top 3

Per Jason LaConfora on CBSSports.com

 

"League sources said there has been considerable progress between the Bears and Matt Forte as well. There are still issues to hash out regarding the average per year on the deal over the first three years, and how it could compare to say Marshawn Lynch's new deal, but there has been movement on what the deal might look like over five years. While this prognosis looks promising, sources said there is still a stalemate between Baltimore and its star runner, Ray Rice. It would take a major reversal over the weekend to get this kick-started."

 

http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/195...might-get-deals

That's great to hear

Wow. I would love to get Forte to a fair deal (for both sides).

Per Jason LaConfora on CBSSports.com

 

"League sources said there has been considerable progress between the Bears and Matt Forte as well. There are still issues to hash out regarding the average per year on the deal over the first three years, and how it could compare to say Marshawn Lynch's new deal, but there has been movement on what the deal might look like over five years. While this prognosis looks promising, sources said there is still a stalemate between Baltimore and its star runner, Ray Rice. It would take a major reversal over the weekend to get this kick-started."

 

http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/195...might-get-deals

 

They said that a couple of weeks ago too, and then everything got quiet.

 

Brees agrees to a contract. 100M/5yrs

That ***** paid

he make a pretty penny

Edited July 13, 201213 yr by RZZZA

Brees agrees to a contract. 100M/5yrs

 

NFL-record $60 million guaranteed

If anyone's worth it, Drew Brees is worth it.

Brees agrees to a contract. 100M/5yrs

@adbrandt

Looks like Brees has a staggering $40M in 2012. Saints have 3-day window to get out in February, otherwise $15M more gteed in 2013.

@adbrandt

Looks like Brees has a staggering $40M in 2012. Saints have 3-day window to get out in February, otherwise $15M more gteed in 2013.

How can they possibly have that much room available? Abraham's suspension?

How can they possibly have that much room available? Abraham's suspension?

 

Aren't there "bonuses" you can include that circumvent the cap?

How can they possibly have that much room available? Abraham's suspension?

@SalaryCap101

For those wondering, 2012 "cash" does NOT = 2012 "cap," as signing bonuses and/or guar future yr salaries are considered in that "cash" amt.

How can they possibly have that much room available? Abraham's suspension?

 

the dollars pay out over the average of the contract, or $20 million a year, for cap purposes.