Mike Tice: If Devin Hester isn’t involved in Bears’ offense, fire me

When asked about the Bears’ most prominent returning receiver, offensive coordinator Mike Tice quickly pointed out he didn’t first mention a ‘‘Devin [Hester] package.’’

That, of course, came from Bears general manager Phil Emery during draft weekend.

Tice was a bit jumpy because of his own history.

‘‘I did the ‘Randy Ratio’; that came back to bite me in the [rear end], right?’’ a playful Tice said Friday. ‘‘But Devin is going to be on the field. If he’s not on the field, then they should fire me.’’

After he was named the Minnesota Vikings’ coach in January 2002, Tice said he had developed a formula to ensure that perennial Pro Bowl receiver Randy Moss would remain active in his offense. He called it the ‘‘Randy Ratio,’’ and he explained that at least 40 percent of the Vikings’ passes would be intended for Moss.

Moss had 1,347 receiving yards the next season, but he averaged a career-low 12.7 yards per catch. In addition, the Vikings finished 6-10.
Still, Tice reiterated a common theme at Halas Hall: Hester will be very involved in the Bears’ offense.

‘‘We see him as a guy that is going to help our receiving corps in a big way,’’ Emery said at the draft. ‘‘We want to make sure that we have a special plan for Devin. We have the Devin package, a package of plays as a receiver.

‘‘You never know where he is going to line up.’’


(suntimes.com)