National Football League

Seahawks present special test

Published Oct. 15, 2010 10:11 p.m. ET

foxsports

As the Bears prepare to face one of the NFL's top special-teams units, special teams coach Dave Toub's players are coming off one of the best games under his distinguished tenure.

Toub, whose unit was ranked No. 1 by the Dallas Morning News in 2006 and 2007, saw his charges play a key role in the Bears' 23-6 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday.

''Overall, pretty much all phases, we were happy with the results,'' Toub said.

Devin Hester and Danieal Manning didn't score, but their combined return average was the second best under Toub. On six returns, Manning and Hester averaged 33.5 yards, second only to a Dec. 11, 2006 performance when Hester returned two kickoffs for touchdowns against the St. Louis Rams.

Would Toub rather have a score or a well-rounded performance like Sunday's?

''There really isn't a preference -- those are both good days,'' Toub said. ''The days I want to stay away from are the days where you're not getting anything and having a hard time getting the ball past the 20.''

The Bears will have their hands full against the Seattle Seahawks, who lead the league, allowing an average starting point of 21.4 yards on kickoffs.

Manning is fifth in the NFL, averaging 29.8 yards per kickoff, but he hasn't run one back for a touchdown since 2008.

Seahawks kickoff returner Leon Washington has scored twice, and he's averaging a league-best 40.4 yards per return. Former Notre Dame receiver Golden Tate is second in the NFL with an average of 18.0 yards per punt return.

INJURY UPDATE

Cornerback Charles Tillman (calf) returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. But linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle), guard Roberto Garza (knee) and safety Major Wright (hamstring) did not practice. Linebacker Brian Urlacher fully participated after being limited by a groin injury Wednesday.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was asked about Israel Idonije's production at defensive end: ''It's his job. It's part of his responsibility to pass rush. If he's not, he's not doing his job.''