Q. Jerry Azumah and R.W. McQuarters have been terrific returning kickoffs and punts. Why did it take the Bears so long to discover that?
A. Coach Dick Jauron acknowledged after Sunday’s 19-10 victory over Denver that Azumah should have handled kickoff-return duties from the start of the season. Azumah had two returns of 30-plus yards in his first day on the job, Oct. 5 against Oakland. He returned three kickoffs for a 38.7-yard average Sunday, including a 51-yarder.
“I would say it’s not a shocker, because we know how athletic [Azumah] is and his [college] background of returning,” Jauron said when I asked for his reaction to Azumah’s success this season. “We kept him out of the role probably too long. Obviously, he’s very good at it. He’s better than I thought he was going to be at it. I’m not shocked, but I am pleasantly surprised.”
Entering the Denver game, Azumah ranked second in the NFL at 30.4 yards per kickoff return. The Bears and Chiefs are the only teams to have run back both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown this season. McQuarters is one of eight to return a punt for a TD this year, while Azumah is one of six to return a kickoff for a TD.
Q. After watching Paul Edinger kick a 54-yard field goal against Denver, I still wonder: Why didn’t the Bears attempt a 57-yard field goal at the end of the St. Louis game? Wouldn’t the odds of him making that have been better than trying a long pass?
A. Probably. Edinger (No. 2, left) had an 8-m.p.h. breeze at his back on Sunday’s 54-yarder. He said the 18-degree temperature negated any benefit he might have derived from the high altitude in Denver. Edinger’s kickoffs also traveled farther than usual. He attributed that to a different approach to the ball.
“I changed up how I’m kicking off,” he said. “It’s a more natural and comfortable approach. I think that’s what happened today. I don’t think the elevation played a role in it. I take fewer steps and I’m more under control.”
Q. How did Chris Chandler get injured? And is there a chance Rex Grossman will play Sunday against Arizona?
A. Chandler was hit by Denver defensive end Trevor Pryce on a play that injured his right shoulder and might draw a fine from the NFL. Jauron said he’d wait until later in the week before determining who will start against the Cardinals. If Chandler is unavailable, Kordell Stewart and Grossman figure to get many more practice reps.
“I’m not sure of the extent of Chris’ injury,” offensive coordinator John Shoop said. “It happened at the end of the half when he got sacked. He felt like [Pryce] had lifted him. Actually, he thought the whistle had blown and the guy was holding him. [Chandler] did come back in and executed a two-minute drive with the [injured] shoulder.”
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