July 29, 2007

Anderson, Hester look for expanded roles in 2007

2007 8-17: Wolfe in Bears 8-17: Tightends 8-16: 'Peanut' 8-16: Linebackers 8-15: D-Day 8-15: Madden '08 gets 8-15: Mannelly known 8-15: Cornerbacks 8-14: A step ahead 8-14: Offensive guards, 8-13: Benson has clear More

By Steve Soucie

ssoucie@daily-journal.com
815-937-3392

Last year at this time, then-rookies Mark Anderson and Devin Hester drew very small amounts of attention.

After all, the Bears weren't even sure what they were going to do with Hester, and Anderson was expected to play a limited role in the Bears' defensive-end rotation.

Now, one year later both of those players are among the most popular in camp, and their roles are of a substantially higher profile.

Anderson appears poised to take over at right defensive end in place of six-year veteran Alex Brown, largely due to immensely productive rookie campaign where he finished second to Houston's DeMeco Ryans in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

A case could have been made for him winning the award with him recording 12 quarterback sacks to go along with 48 tackles (35 solos). But Anderson welcomes the additional responsibilities that come with being an every-down player instead of a passing-down specialist.

"I've got to go every down, every snap, and continue to get better," Anderson said. "I've just got to get used to it. Last year, plays came to me and I had to capitalize on them. I'm just going to go out there and give it my all."

Hester, meanwhile, continues to show explosiveness as a receiver in offensive sets. It's a role that the Bears have introduced him to in the offseason with great results.

Saturday morning's workout was another testament to what Hester might be able to provide. He made several highlight reel grabs, although he did most of his damage during drills with the No. 2 defensive unit on the field.

Regardless, Hester is still going to create matchup problems in three and four wide receiver sets because opponents other top cornerbacks will be occupied by Bears starters Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian.

* * *

The fishing hats were back on Saturday morning.

The hats typically are unofficial indicators for players that are injured and not available to practice.

But while safety Mike Brown and offensive tackle John Tait were sporting those hats during the morning session, fortunately neither were injured. That duo and other veterans will often be held out of one of the two practices on double practice days to avoid possible injuries.

* * *

Rex Grossman, the scrambler?

The notion seems completely ludicrous, considering Grossman has a grand total of 51 yards rushing on 43 carries in his professional career.

But Grossman promises he will look for opportunities to tuck the ball away rather than throwing the football away when the chance presents itself.

"I'd like to run as I progress up in the pocket, if there's a lane there, just run and get down and maybe get five yards instead of just throwing it away," Grossman said. "I threw the ball away a lot last year, try to make something happen."

He, however, has no plans to try to become Vince Young or Donovan McNabb.

"I'm not going to run 15 or 20 yards downfield, that's not what I'm talking about," Grossman said. "Find a lane, and get down. Make it second and five instead of second and 10."