The Bears’ signing of return specialist DeAndre Carter has sparked considerable speculation among fans regarding the futures of Velus Jones and Dante Pettis, especially in their roles as punt returners.
However, this move also prompts speculation about the Bears potentially being ahead of the curve in capitalizing on a rule change.
When the Bears signed DeAndre Carter, it wasn’t just about adding another return man; it was a strategic move to potentially capitalize on a recent rule change. This rule mandates that cover players and return blockers must line up within 10 yards of each other, while allowing one or two returners to position themselves deep.
By signing Carter, the Bears are potentially investing in their special teams unit by creating a situation where they can deploy multiple threats on kick returns. This strategic alignment could enable them to exploit the rule change effectively, turning special teams into a potential strength and enhancing their chances of success.
Imagine a scenario where both DeAndre Carter and Velus Jones are back to receive a kick, offering the potential for handoffs or fakes that could split the coverage team in half. Due to the new rule, returners cannot start moving until the ball is touched after the kick, allowing such plays to give the return team a significant advantage. This is because the coverage team starts spread out across the field and stationary before they can initiate movement.
Teams, however, can circumvent this advantage by opting to absorb the penalty associated with the new touchback rule. Under this rule, touchbacks place the ball at the 30-yard line instead of the 25-yard line as it was in the previous season. Thus, teams must weigh the benefits of potential trick plays against the risk and reward of different starting field positions.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower believes that NFC North return men rank among the best in the league, which could lead to an increase in touchbacks during games involving the Bears, Packers, Lions, and Vikings.
“I think there will be occasions where touchbacks will occur, but our primary goal is to increase the number of returns in the game,” Hightower emphasized. “This provides more opportunities for our coverage players to make an impact.”
Hightower’s strategy suggests a focus on maximizing the potential for returns while acknowledging the strength of NFC North return specialists.
It sounds like Hightower is being strategic about how much information he reveals regarding their plans for using returners under the new rule. The signing of Carter suggests they may have specific intentions for him, possibly as a punt returner, addressing a problem area from previous seasons.
Hightower’s cautious approach towards revealing their strategies for preseason games makes sense. Teams often use these games to experiment and fine-tune their tactics without showing all their cards to opponents. Balancing the need to figure out their best options with the desire to keep some tactics hidden is crucial in preseason preparations.
Overall, it seems like Hightower and the team are approaching the upcoming season with a blend of caution and strategic planning, aiming to improve their performance without giving away too much early on.
Whether the Bears have realized they’ll need two returners is still an open question.
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