Hester learns not to underestimate Cutler's arm

While Jay Cutler took responsibility for putting him in a bad position, Devin Hester shouldered blame for the two missing on a first-quarter deep ball in Saturday night's 17-3 exhibition victory over the Giants.

Cutler launched a missile on the run that sailed over Hester's head. Hester, who admitted not being used to such arm strength, was asked what he learned from the play.

"Keep running just as fast as you can ... no matter what," he said. "If he gets out of the pocket, don't do any scrambling drill. Just keep going. I thought I was too far out. Even the defender guarding me slowed and started going back toward Jay. He threw it over all our heads. Now I know ... don't stop."

Happy returns? Hester has yet to return a punt during exhibitions. That could change Sunday night at Denver, probably the final dress rehearsal for the starters before the Sept. 13 opener at Green Bay.

"He's going to be ready to go," said Dave Toub, the special teams coordinator.

The Bears have auditioned six players at punt returns, including rookies D.J. Moore, Johnny Knox, Derek Kinder and Eric Peterman.

"I've been impressed with the way the young guys have been handling the ball," Toub said. "Now as soon as I say that, something will happen."



(chicagotribune.com)