Rodgers struggled with Devin
As the special teams coordinator for the Panthers and Broncos, Jeff Rodgers had to prepare for Devin Hester.
“I’d say he changed the game both kickoffs and punts,” he said of the former Bears great, who retired Tuesday. “He’s the best that’s ever done it. Elite skill set.
“I was across the sideline several times, and you’re holding your breath. There’s been nobody like him in my generation. He was really the first guy that you really game- planned for, and you saw different people take different approaches.”
With the Panthers in 2010, Rodgers told his punter to kick it out of bounds. Hester caught it “four inches from the sideline,” he said, and ran straight up the sideline. With the Broncos in 2011, Hester was forced to fair catch four consecutive punts before he made a spectacular play, catching a punt along the right sideline, running in a tight circle, breaking left while pointing out defenders to his blockers and running for a 26- yard gain.
“He kinda circled around, went backwards, sideline, all of a sudden he turned a corner and you’re holding your breath,” the Bears special teams coordinator said Wednesday. “We were able to get him on the ground, but he’s a game changer.”
McPhee wants to play
In other situations, an injured veteran would be forgiven for shutting down his season with his team woefully out of the playoff picture. Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, who hurt his shoulder in the first drive against the 49ers, said he won’t do it.
“Pride and my teammates, basically,” he said. “I can finish strong — really strong.”
McPhee said his shoulder felt “awesome.” He was one of three defensive starters who continued their pitch to play against the Lions. After not playing Sunday, nose tackle Eddie Goldman ( hip), safety Adrian Amos and McPhee were limited in practice for the second consecutive day.
Asked whether he’d play Sunday, Amos said he was taking it day by day.
This and that
The Bears’ sacks leader with seven, Akiem Hicks said he has had too many close calls in the last four games.
“I think I missed about four in the last month — I’m talking about hands on the quarterback and falling off,” he said. “But in those situations, I’ve set up other guys to be able to finish those sacks off.”
The Bears have 35 sacks on the season. A good defense finishes in the 40s or low 50s.
“So that’s our goal — to finish off the season strong and rush the passer,” Hicks said.
Receiver Kendall Wright ( shoulder) and tight end Adam Shaheen ( chest), who had 14 catches combined Sunday, were limited for the second time, as was safety DeAndre Houston- Carson.
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