Bears vs. Raiders: Kick to Devin Hester or Lovie Smith?

by Rich Langford on Nov 25, 2011 9:55 PM PST

Shane Lechler needs to give Lovie Smith a hands check on Sunday. Or anyone else on the Bears' sideline, or on the Raiders' sideline. The point is, kick it to anyone not name Devin Hester.

Hester is averaging 21.2 yards per punt return, and the Raiders have already allowed two return touchdowns this season. Even if Lechler comes out of this game averaging just 30 yards a punt, it is better than the alternative of Hester putting points on the board.

Shane Lechler breaks it down himself. Lechler, as quoted by Steve Corkran:

As far as I’m concerned, no, it’s not the same attitude right now. That guy’s too dangerous. With them getting a new quarterback in there, (Hester’s) going to be the big-play guy. I’m not sure yet what we’re going to do, but I’m going to try to at least make him run sideways early, and we’ll go from there.

I don’t want to put ourselves in that situation, where giving him a chance for him to be the spark in this game, especially with Cutler being down and a new quarterback coming in the game. I don’t want to give him the edge in the special teams battle.

Atta boy, Shane. Sometimes you just gotta put pride aside for the greater good, and in this case it is definitely playing the percentages to force the Caleb Hanie led Bears' offense to beat the Raiders' defense than it is to have Hester beat the special teams.

Reading into Hue Jackson's comments I think he may be thinking along the same lines.

Jackson, as quoted by Corkran:

I can’t tell you exactly what the game plan is right this second, but I know we’ll have a plan because this guy is as good as there is in football. There are going to be times you’re going to have to kick it to him, and there are going to be times you’re not going to have to kick it to him. So, we’ll come up with the right plan to fit this football team so it gives us the best opportunity to win.

When Lechler is kicking from the Raiders 40 or closer, they can go ahead and kick it straight and high and force a fair catch. Otherwise, that ball needs to be sailing for the sidelines.

Poll

Should the Raiders punt it to Hester?

Yes

183 votes

No

622 votes

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Comments

Just seems kind of logical

We kicked to him a couple years ago, did a decent job of containment. However, that was more of a pride game where we had nothing on the line. This time, just kick away from him. Don’t let one dude beat you. Our coverage teams are not spectacular, especially when Lechler boots a 60 yarder outkicking the coverage. Easy choice here, don’t give him a chance. Great respect to Hester as a punt returner.

by lakers007raiders on Nov 25, 2011 11:53 PM PST reply actions

I dont see much reason to punt to him

Lechler can kick the ball out of bounds and still get plenty of distance.

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by Ozraider on Nov 26, 2011 12:59 AM PST reply actions

Does He Also Return "K"s???....If So Maybe Just Line Drive It To Threw The End Zone???

Punts don’t worry me as much as "K"s with Jano showing weakness due to the Hammie…We have been giving up rather good field position consistently lately…That’s a definite issue…

Working the “Coffin Corner” has been the one weakness in Shane’s game…Maybe it’s time he worked on that and than we have for future situations also…

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 26, 2011 3:03 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah i believe they have stopped using him at wide receiver and he is back to exclusively returning kicks and punts

apparently Jano is off the injury report so hopefully he is back to banging them out of the endzone.

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by Ozraider on Nov 26, 2011 3:12 AM PST up reply actions

He still plays reciever. Just not as much.

by JaKe. on Nov 26, 2011 4:15 PM PST up reply actions

Probably will in this game, just to give Haine one more weapon out there.

by JaKe. on Nov 26, 2011 4:17 PM PST up reply actions

He doesn't do kickoffs as often

at least according to my friend who is a Bears fan.

by Terps12 on Nov 26, 2011 6:00 PM PST up reply actions

Shane knows what needs be done but may not have the skill to always do it, i.e. place the ball like a 9-iron or get huge

hang time at the price of distance. I don’t think his pride will hold him back from trying though. It’s just the habitual way he’s always kicked to get tremendous distance, cf. Ray Guy whose hang times are still legendary.

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 26, 2011 4:39 AM PST reply actions

He definitely needs to put more air under the ball at times

We have given up TD’s on punts at least twice i can think of because he has out kicked the coverage

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Follow @MattyFnRaider
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by Ozraider on Nov 26, 2011 4:50 AM PST up reply actions

Take it a step further

I would ask Janikowski straight up “Can you boot it out of the endzone every single kick”

If his answer is no then I would tell him to kick it out of bounds and let them start on the 40. The defense might get a little frustrated having to give them so much space to start with but in my opinion I’d rather take that over letting the all time kick return leader (And he’s not even 30) get one on me.

I’m sure this idea won’t be popular, but if you want to talk about being absolutely sure this guy can’t work his magic then there you go.

"The Raiders are the Bad Guy Professional Wrestlers of the NFL. Everybody hates us, and loves nothing more then to watch us lose. We got the costumes, we got the facepaint, and the attitude. All we are missing is a bunch of rednecks to start chanting USA USA USA at us..." - ME

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by TheDudeAbides138 on Nov 26, 2011 7:54 AM PST reply actions

That's too great an advantage in field position for them

Statistically, you should be able to pin them deeper than the most of the time even if Jano can’t boot it through the end zone. Even doing a short kick to the up man should give them worse field position than kicking it out of bounds. But I like your outside the box thinking.

@WorldBLee

by worldblee on Nov 26, 2011 8:40 AM PST up reply actions

- 1

I’m sure this idea won’t be popular

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 26, 2011 9:31 AM PST up reply actions

Oh hell no

Saebass might get a short one that is returnable since he has been gimped up, but Lechler should be dropping everyone of them on the sidline somewhere or hangeing them from the moon even if we sacrafice 15 yds of field position

NO MERCY!

by RAIDERSNOMERCY on Nov 26, 2011 9:13 AM PST reply actions

Seabass

Yeah, what is up with Seabass and the bionic leg? He is hurt, but can kick one through the end zone on one kick and pooch the rest? I believe the Raiders should go on fourth and short rather than have Seabass line drive it into the D Line like last week, if he is not 100% healthy.

Hell, kick to Hester, test your manhood… That’s what Lane Kiffen would do.

by Mallard Davis on Nov 26, 2011 9:22 AM PST reply actions

The biggest mistake teams do against the Bears is kick to Hester

Whatever it takes we gotta keep him away from the ball. Maybe we should just onside kick it every time lol jk. Our safest bet if Jano can’t kick it out the back is to squib kick or deliberately kick to the blockers on kickoffs and give us a chance to stop them before the 40 although if it takes kicking It out of bounds to keep it out of Hesters hands fine. It’d be worse to kick it to him than kick It out of bounds.

"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here."--Al Davis

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi

by Marcus Allen Krause on Nov 26, 2011 9:38 AM PST reply actions

Pretty sure the rules allow the kick-off to be punted. If Shane averages 50 with a good hang time the ball comes down

on the 15 with, hopefully, our guns there.

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 26, 2011 9:44 AM PST reply actions

If Shane Could Aim It Close To The Corner That Would Work...But Isn't That A "Drop Kick"???

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 26, 2011 9:48 AM PST up reply actions

it still cant go out of Bounds if they chose to punt kickoffs

Not a horrible idea SOB

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."--Vince Lombardi

by Marcus Allen Krause on Nov 26, 2011 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

That's very gracious of you, MAK

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 26, 2011 7:22 PM PST up reply actions

On the plus side (maybe)

Jano is one of the few guys not listed on the injury report this week. So maybe he’ll be able to kick close to normal.

by Chris2814 on Nov 26, 2011 9:27 PM PST up reply actions

Drop kicks are allowed but not Punts.

Rule 6 Free Kicks
Section 1 Procedures for a Free Kick
FREE KICK
Article 1. A free kick is a kickoff or safety kick that puts the ball in play to start a free kick down. It may be made from any point on the kicking (offensive) team’s restraining line and between the inbounds lines.
(a) A kickoff puts the ball in play at the start of each half, after a try, and after a successful field goal. A dropkick or placekick may be used for a kickoff.

http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/rulebook/pdfs/9_Rule6_Free_Kicks.pdf

Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth.
-Mike Tyson

by R8rnation on Nov 27, 2011 6:24 PM PST up reply actions

Good to know, thank you. ... Looking forward to our next safety and another Shane 80 yarder

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 27, 2011 6:34 PM PST up reply actions

Fair catch on an onside kick?

If a “Fair Catch” is not allowed on an “onside kick” after the ball touches the ground, what is the purpose of the rule?
Giordano got nailed while trying to field the onside kick and fumbled/muffed the catch.
I don’t see this worded this way in the NFL rulebook.
according to “wiki” this is what they say:
The primary reason for the fair catch rule is to protect the receiver. A receiver directs his attention toward the incoming punt and cannot focus on the defenders running towards him. He is quite vulnerable to injury and is also at risk for fumbling the kick if the punter intentionally makes a high short kick to allow defenders time to hit the receiver.
If this is true, why not allow the fair catch on any punt or kick “in the air” to protect the receiver?
Personally, I like the current rule, but I would have liked to see our coverage guys to have blocked if they had no chance of recovering the ball.
Mike Mitchell should have nailed the gunner who tattooed Giordano. IMO

Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth.
-Mike Tyson

by R8rnation on Nov 27, 2011 6:55 PM PST up reply actions

One Thought..."FG"s Now Can't Be Returned Correct???...Don't Punt Just Attempt Long "FG"s...

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 26, 2011 9:51 AM PST reply actions

Whoops!!...I Just Realized How Stuipd This Was...LoL!!...If We Miss They Get The Ball From Where It Was Kicked!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 26, 2011 9:48 PM PST up reply actions

im ok with touch backs on punts too.

by pac4eva5 on Nov 26, 2011 2:07 PM PST reply actions

How about the team just doesn't get in any punting situations

If worse comes to worst, and we’re forced to punt, kick for maximum hang time and force the fair catch. Always a chance he muffs one, trying to make a play. You end up with horrible field position when you kick it out of bounds frequently.

by jtkerr79 on Nov 26, 2011 7:52 PM PST reply actions

Net punting average is what matters. The punting team must be judged by the net average.

I shake my head hearing constant praise of punting distance and poor net. What’s better a 60 yard punting average and 12 yard average return orf a 48 yard punt average with hang-time and fair catches with no return. Arithmetic says they are equal.

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 26, 2011 8:30 PM PST up reply actions

One Is Just More Exciting To Watch...

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 26, 2011 9:46 PM PST up reply actions

So a fair catch is similar to a touchback; both safer than allowing the team to run it back

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue Jackson 8/19/11
A plague of lice on all Raiderphobes

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 26, 2011 11:06 PM PST up reply actions

I think that’s about right, depending on where the ball if caught fairly.

by JaKe. on Nov 27, 2011 1:15 AM PST up reply actions

Both Positive Plays But If Inside The 20 Than An Extra Serving Of Positive Please!!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 27, 2011 2:24 AM PST up reply actions

I woke up with a BAAAAAAAAAAAD feeli'n about this one Nation.

Can’t put my finger on it but something doesn’t feel right.
We can’t fuck up early , let them score early or get cocky. Hope I’m wrong here . R.F.F.R.

by Wyoraider on Nov 27, 2011 7:24 AM PST reply actions

... Dhes

dont kick it to him…

to answer the question he does return kicks but he alternates with Johnny Knox(who made pro bowl for returning his rookie year)

O__o if they kick it to devin hester this could turn into a long day… though the raiders are one of the teams with the team speed to contain hester, this will be interesting

I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG

by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Nov 27, 2011 8:34 AM PST reply actions

Sebass and Lechler did an awesome job today.

Had to love the punt from our own 20 yd line, 70 yds in the air (80 yds overall, net 60) when Hester sprinted back about 20 yds and the ball still went past him.
I’ll take a touchback on a punt to Hester anyday.
The last one downed inside the 5 was a beauty as well.
Sebass basically won the game for us on offense as we were stood up most of the day against a good defense. Nice to get a 4th qtr TD.
(229 yds in FG’s) Wow!