Chicago Bears' Struggles with Punt Returns: A Growing Concern
For any football team striving for greatness, success in all three phases of the game�offense, defense, and special teams�is essential. The Chicago Bears, despite their efforts, are facing a recurring issue with their punt return game, and it's time for some serious introspection.
Last year, Velus Jones, the third-round pick, was expected to shine as a kick returner, punt returner, and a versatile offensive weapon. While he did make some big plays and proved his worth as a kick returner, his issues with punt returns became a concerning pattern.
His inability to cleanly catch punts, resulting in multiple muffs, eventually led the Bears to replace him with the more reliable Dante Pettis for punt return duties. Though not a stellar returner, Pettis offered something vital: he could catch the ball consistently.
Fast forward to the present season, and the Bears find themselves in a quandary. With five wide receivers virtually locked in for roster spots, it leaves just one more place, with Velus Jones and Dante Pettis vying for it. Though Jones might appear to be the obvious choice, Pettis's absence due to injury complicates matters.
Here's the dilemma: if Pettis is cut, who will handle the punt returns? Two options exist, rookie Tyler Scott and Velus Jones. Both have had their struggles, with Scott displaying fumbling issues and Jones's well-documented problems from 2022.
While fans may reminisce about the fantastic Devin Hester days, the current need for the Bears is a player who can catch punts reliably. With rule changes diminishing the importance of kick returns, the value of a player like Jones�who doesn't contribute much offensively and struggles with punt returns�becomes questionable.
The Bears could consider stashing Jones on the practice squad, taking the risk of losing him. But the fact remains: speed alone won't resolve the punt return problem.
So, what's the solution? The Bears need to address this problem head-on. If the end of August arrives and neither Jones nor Scott proves trustworthy in returning punts, keeping Pettis on the roster seems inevitable. And if that's the path they choose, it could signal the end of Velus Jones, Jr.'s time with the team.
The Bears' punt return dilemma is more than just a minor hiccup. It's a problem that could haunt them on Sundays, and one that needs an immediate and effective solution. It may not be the only issue on the roster, but it's one they can't afford to ignore. The clock is ticking, and the choices made now could have lasting repercussions on the field.
| POLL | ||
14 AOUT | 53 ANSWERS Chicago Bears' Struggles with Punt Returns: A Growing Concern Will Velus Jones Jr. make the final 53-man roster? | ||
| Yes | 15 | 28.3 % |
| No | 38 | 71.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
