Roster turnover is the nature of the beast when it comes to special teams, but coordinator Dave Toub will deal with more than usual this year as the Bears will have four or five new faces on every unit.
It creates a challenge for them to continue as one of the most consistently successful teams in the league because performances go far beyond what the returners do. Toub is leaning on Corey Graham, who re-signed with a one-year, $1.5 million contract, to help bring the rookies and new additions along.
“We’ve talked about that a couple times already,” Toub said. “He knows. It’s not only him but guys like Nick Roach and all the other guys that have been here before.”
Graham, 26, is a quiet player in the locker room, but he’s ready to be more outgoing.
“(Toub) talked about being a leader on the field and going out there and making plays,” Graham said. “Not just by example, but by being more vocal and going out there and getting guys fired up, showing them the right way to do things. I have to make sure guys know what special teams mean here.”
With the Bears opening against the Falcons, they have plenty of motivation on special teams. A botched squib kick in 2008 led to a last-second loss at Atlanta. The Bears lost there in 2009 when Eric Weems had a 62-yard kickoff return to set up a game-winning touchdown by Michael Turner in the fourth quarter.
Weems was the NFC Pro Bowl special teams player last season. He made 16 tackles, nine fewer than Graham. But the 5-9, 195-pound Weems got notoriety for returning a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns. The Bears felt Graham was more deserving because there is a spot for returners and it’s their belief Weems got credit for that.
“Corey knows”Weems made the Pro Bowl,” Toub said. “He’s well aware of that, believe me.”
Twitter @BradBiggs
Fan Shop: Get your Bears hats, jerseys and more
