Hester Watch

Devin Hester was the Bears' most watched player going into training camp after two dominant seasons as a return specialist. He signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension that required him to reach lofty benchmarks as a receiver through 2011 to earn the full value.

Hester got off to a good start in that endeavor, leading the Bears with 665 yards on 51 catches. Meanwhile, his performance as a return specialist tailed off shockingly.

After 13 special-teams scores through two seasons, Hester had none in 2008. He eventually yielded the kickoff-return duties to Danieal Manning.

"I still like Devin an awful lot as a player," Smith said. "I know his returns dropped off a little bit this year, but his plate was full there for a while. We think we have a happy medium now for him as a punt returner and continuing to develop as a receiver."

(ssm.nwherald.com)