Who'll Field the Punts?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 15, 2005 8:05PM

While last week's media focus was who should play QB, this week all the attention is on special teams -- specifically who will field punts for the Bears.

The job had been Bobby Wade's from the start of the season, and early on he had some success. In Week 2, he returned a punt 73 yards for a TD against Detroit. That one big play earned him the benefit of the doubt for a long time, even as he mishandled two punts against the Bengals and three more against the 49ers. That performance caused Lovie Smith to relieve him his punt return duties, but after Rashied Davis lost two punts the following week Wade returned to the role.

Yet another fumbled punt retrurn in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh cost Wade not only his punt return duties but also his roster spot.

With Wade permanently out of the picture, the Bears coaching staff has been auditioning others. Bernard Berrian currenty leads the pack of possible replacements that also includes Rashied Davis, Nathan Vasher and Eddie Berlin.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said, Ball security is the No. 1 goal." Then he followed that up with, "Bernard Berrian is the best catcher out of the four guys we have left."

While an explosive runner would be nice, clearly retaining possession of the ball is most important. So we'd like to see Barrian fielding punts. While Nathan Vasher has shown some dazzling moves returning interceptions and missed field goals he is too important to the defense -- especially with three injured safeties -- to risk him getting injured on special teams.

And somebody, please rember to coat Barrian's hands in rubber cement before each punt on Sunday!