Manning Awarded Player of the Week

The Chicago Bears special teams has a new star in the form of Danieal Manning. The league recognized Manning’s efforts this week by awarding him with the NFC special teams player of the week after the Bears game against the New Orleans Saints. In that game, Manning had an 83 kickoff return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff and had a 52 yard return soon after. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub sang Manning’s praises, saying, “He’s fearless. He catches the ball well, No. 1, and then he hits it at the point of attack without any hesitation. He gets up the field fast and hits it with an attitude—strong and physical—and he’ll break tackles.”

The Bears got a hint at what Manning was capable of during the preseason when he led the league in kickoff returns. Chicago’s special teams standout used to be Devin Hester, but Hester’s new role on offense has left an opening for the skills of Manning. Manning has been with the Bears since they selected him in the second round of the 2006 draft. Manning has a kickoff return average of 29.5 this season, leading the NFL. See him in person with Chicago Bears tickets from StubHub.com.

Permalink - Posted in General on December 18, 2008 - Post a comment