Special Teams Gets It Done

The Chicago Bears’ special teams again made a difference for the team in their 23-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but it was a different face than has helped the Bears in years past. Instead of Devin Hester, who has been moved to wide receiver, the Bears are seeing the payoff of having Danieal Manning on special teams. Manning also showed his worth on defense during the Jaguars opening drive when he intercepted the ball and returned it for 42 yards, setting up a Bears touchdown.

Special teams coach Dave Toub said of him, “Manning is doing a real good job on kickoff returns. Field position is always important, but with the weather even more so. The ball doesn’t travel as far in the cold. That makes special teams more important in the cold weather.”

The Bears also have veteran punter Brad Maynard on their side, who has managed 349 punts inside the 20 yard line since he started in the league in 1997. This season has been no exception. While the Bears averaged starting at the 40 yard line, the Jaguars started, on average, at the 25 yard line. Make sure and reserve your Chicago Bears tickets at StubHub.com.

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