Things are looking up for the Chicago Bears in 2024. They have some cornerstone pieces on defense and drafted Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft. This was on top of many offseason moves, including trading for veteran receiver Keenan Allen. Big things are expected in Chicago but one coach has another name to watch out for. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower thinks third year player Velus Jones is primed for a huge year.
Chicago Bears Coach Thinks Velus Jones Is Primed For Big Year
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower singles out Velus Jones as someone who will benefit from the new kickoff rules because of his skill set and the increase in return opportunities.
"It's like a damn freight train running at you."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 11, 2024
Velus Jones has been the butt of many jokes over his three-year career. He is already 27 years old, and many fans have made fun of the Chicago Bears for taking the older player. Hightower thinks the new kickoff rules may make people eat their words. He thinks Jones could benefit greatly from the NFL’s new kickoff format.
“So how it pertains to our team, you can only think about a guy like Velus Jones, great example.”
“A guy like that, with his type of skill set, with the speed and the power that he has, and he’s coming full speed ahead at you, it’s like a damn freight train running at you. And he’s gonna get an opportunity to touch the ball three or four more times a game.”
There will definitely be more opportunities for kickoff returns in 2024. Kickers will kick from his 35, and the receiving team’s coverage will be at their 40. Any ball that lands between the goal line and 20 must be returned. The new rule allows players to get a full head of steam. The Chicago Bears think Velus Jones could have a huge year returning kicks.
New Rule Could Have Massive Effects
It isn’t just the Chicago Bears and Velus Jones who could benefit. Starting field position might change drastically, giving offenses less distance to go in order to get into scoring position. This could lead to an uptick in scoring. We could also see more kick return touchdowns as elite athletes are able to get a head of steam before they run into any resistance.
This will definitely make games more interesting in 2024. The kickoff was often a non-event as teams were incentivized to take a knee and get the ball at the 25. Now, teams may be forced to return the kick. Furthermore, kicking teams could take advantage of teams that do not have an elite returner. It is another layer of strategy that teams will have to think about in 2024. The Chicago Bears are excited about it and ready to use it to their advantage.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. It does not matter what sport he is talking about; he tends to be an expert in it. When he is not glued to following sports, he is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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