We’ve all heard it at one point in time, whether it be on the playground growing up, on the field, or even at work: “I can do better than that.” Well in the week leading up to the Pro-Bowl there was another case of who’s better. Josh Cribbs of the Cleveland Browns claimed he was the best kick returner in the NFL, even better than Devin Hester. This set up a great head-to-head match up on Sunday. Both returners looked good ripping off 40+ yard returns. At one point Hester took a return to the right for about 15 yards drawing the defenders; he then turned and threw a spiral to Jason Whitten who took it another 35.
That was however only one game, and for a claim this bold we have to check the season stats to see if it’s legit. Cribbs has played 46 games in his career and has 165 kickoff returns. Of the 165 returns he has taken 4 to the house and is averaging 26.6 yards per return. Cribbs has not been returning punts as long as he has been kickoffs. He only has 37 punt returns, taking 1 the distance while averaging 12.5 yards per return. Not bad numbers at all. In fact, they prove he very deserving of his spot in the Pro-Bowl. But let’s take a look at what Devin has done in his 2 seasons as a pro. He has played 32 games and has returned 63 kickoffs. Of those 63 he has returned 4 of those for touchdowns while averaging 23.2 yards per return. Hester has been the return man on 89 punts and seven of those have ended up in the end zone. All the while he averages 14.1 yards per punt return.
That gives Hester 11 scores in just two seasons and that doesn’t even count his 108 yard touchdown off a missed Giants field goal. Based simply off the numbers, you have to give the nod to Hester. And what makes it even more amazing is that if you look at the tapes, Cribbs, and everyone else in the league for that matter, gets more quality return opportunities. The biggest testament to Hester’s talent is the fact that teams are so willing to kick it out of bounds and give it to the Bears offense on the 40 yard line. That might not happen so often if the Bears didn’t have such an anemic offense.
With both Chicago and Cleveland looking to make it to the playoffs next year, both players will play a key role in helping their respective clubs get there. While Devin currently has the upper hand, it will be interesting to see how both players perform next season. There is nothing wrong with a little rivalry and it could end up making these two explosive players even better. That’s a scary thought for any opposing defense.
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