NFL Rules Change Hurts Hester, Bears

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 23, 2011 3:20PM

While the NFL team owners continue to lock out the players, the league carries on with off-season business. Among the items on the agenda are rules changes to reduce the rate of injuries — especially head injuries like concussions. With that goal in mind, the NFL passed new kick-off rules on Tuesday which could impact the Bears by curtailing what many view as the most exciting play in football.

Under the new rules, kickoffs will take place from the 35-yard line instead of the 30, which is anticipated to double the number of touchbacks from 20 percent to 40 percent of kickoffs. In addition, the rules only allow for two-man wedges for blockers and require kickoff cover men to remain behind the 30-yard line. One component of the original rules, placing the ball on the 25-yard line after a touchback, was removed from the final passed update.

Given the Bears' strength on special teams, these rules impact them more than most other teams. It's no surprise that team management lobbied hard against these rules changes. Ace kick returner Devin Hester will have fewer changes to return the ball, meaning fewer chances for him to score on kickoff returns or set up the Bears with (often necessary) excellent field position. Danieal Manning, who actually took the most kickoff returns for the Bears in 2010, was no slouch. As a team, the Bears ranked second in average yards per return. The Bears have also been among the best teams on kickoff coverage, with gunners like Corey Graham.

When the offense and defense struggled, the Bears special teams often kept them in games. Now, that will be more of a challenge. But coach Lovie Smith was optimistic that it wouldn't tie the team's hands too much. "We'll still be able to get returns in," he said before the rule was passed Tuesday. "We'll find ways to deal with it."