Champ Bailey not in favor of kicking to Bears' Hester

Cornerback Champ Bailey was one of the few Broncos on the sideline to witness what the Bears' über-returner

Devin Hester did the last time he faced Denver.

In 2007, Hester returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns in the same quarter in what eventually turned into an overtime loss for the Broncos. The defeat was part of a 2-4 limp down the stretch that year as the Broncos finished 7-9 and out of the playoffs.

Asked Thursday whether he — had he the power — would kick to Hester, Bailey said: "Not in a million years. I've been around coaches that have. I know we did the last time we played them. I think we all know how that went."

Assistant special-teams coach Keith Burns was playing for the Broncos in that 2007 game, so he understands the potential impact if the coverage team doesn't tie up all its loose ends.

Hester this season has returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns.

"We've talked about it a little bit," Bailey said. "We know what type of player he is. Don't take no chances with the guy; he's the best in the game. The best ever in my book."

(denverpost.com)