3 BEARS BY BRAD BIGGSToo hotDevin Hester
It was interesting to hear Packers coach Mike McCarthy call Devin Hester the Bears best player, singling out a guy who is touching the ball 5.6 times per game when you factor all the returns, receptions and rushes. A stronger case probably could be made for defensive end Julius Peppers being the biggest impact player this season, but Hester once again is making a major impact on the opponent even without the ball in his hands when it comes to short kickoffs, punts to the sideline and ill-advised fake punts. Just imagine if the Bears could get him the ball 10 times per game.
Too coldChester Taylor
Since Chester Taylor unofficially became the short-yardage back he hasn’t been able to pick up much more than a few short yards. He’s not getting the opportunities Matt Forte is, but Taylor is struggling to find room or make anyone miss. He has had one carry longer than nine yards in the last eight games and in that span he has rushed for 96 yards on 65 carries, less than 1.5 yards per attempt. Something isn’t clicking for a back who is being paid $7 million this season. Taylor is a savvy performer with playoff experience and needs to catch a spark.
Just rightFrank Omiyale
They call protection of the quarterback the dance of the elephants, and that doesn’t paint a pretty picture. The Bears’ protection this season has been sketchy, but the unit has held together and Frank Omiyale is set to make his 14th start at left tackle, the spot that gets the most attention. Whether or not he has done enough to cement the position long-term remains to be seen, but the Bears have allowed only five sacks in the last three games and he has been holding up like a guy who maybe should have been at the position all along.
