Special Teams Navigates New Rule

The new roles handed down by the Competition Committee may be confusing, but chances are the biggest change won’t change the Chicago Bears’ game plan very much. The rule outlaws wedges on kickoffs.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said, “Some teams run a zone-wedge scheme and some teams run a man scheme, and we’re a man scheme. We don’t hold hands or anything like that to form a wedge. In a zone scheme, you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with a guy sometimes holding hands or linking arms, and you’ll block whoever’s in your path. We really don’t form a tight wedge like some teams do, so it shouldn’t really affect us.”

The new rules were put in place to protect players, stating that no more than two players can make a wedge. The problem with the rule is that it isn’t very clear about some gray areas. Luckily, the Bears will not have to navigate the new rules by themselves. During training camp, the Bears will be brining in officials to explain the rules further. The Bears’ special teams did well last season, led by Danieal Manning. See how well the team does during this season by getting Chicago Bears tickets from StubHub.com.

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