Dolphins Kicking Tires On Hesters’ Tires

Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) returns a kickoff during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins have Marcus Thigpen returning kicks and punts.  He is o.k. wouldn’t call him great wouldn’t call him bad.  He is average.  At best.  While Thigpen possesses the skills to be a complete player in the NFL he lacks consistency.  That lack of consistency keeps the coaches from playing him more.  Thigpen should be a dual threat for the Dolphins.  Playing on ST’s and catching passes out of the backfield.  He is still only showing signs that he is capable.  From time to time.

Enter the dragon.

Devin Hester is one KR from breaking the NFL record for return TD’s.  The next team that signs him will likely celebrate that milestone.  The Miami Dolphins are kicking the tires of the tires that make Hester run.  Hester isn’t a need.  He won’t catch TD passes and he won’t make interceptions.  This despite the fact that he has played both CB and WR in the NFL.  He is seam threat that relies on a wedge or wall in front of him.  But he is electric.

Hester possesses a home run ability that Miami hasn’t seen.  Even at 30 years old Hester is still a speed threat in the return game.  What makes him so good is he is decisive.  He moves with conviction and rarely succumbs to the first tackler.  Or the second.  Or even the third.  Hester changes the game because he changes the field position.  Miami needs that threat.  It may not happen with every single touch but the threat of that happening on every single touch is well worth the price of admission.

Fans are not going to fill the seats to watch Devin Hester return kicks but Hester could on his own ignite the passion and noise from those that are in the stands.  A local Miami product, Hester could finish his career where it all started as a high-school kid.  He is in Miami now hosting a football clinic.  The Dolphins want high character players and Hester fits that mold.  It’s a win/win situation for both.

How far the Dolphins and Hester’s agents have spoken isn’t known but the fact they are talking is a good sign.  Hester, as I said isn’t going to win you games but he is going to position your team to win games.  The Dolphins need more of that.