Which Would You Rather Have: Devin Hester as a Returner or a Receiver?

I love signs like these. They sure capture the essence of what many people mean when they say Devin Hester is 'ridiculous' (but with good connotation, of course).

I mean, this guy is two returned touchdowns away from breaking the NFL all-time record...and this is only his third season in the NFL. Yet, he's also on the verge of going a full season without returning a touchdown by a kick, punt or missed field goal return.

But, it's safe to say that he probably is one of the best returners in NFL history, right? So...you're probably wondering "Why mention this?"

Let me answer that question with another question: Given Hester's track record returning touchdowns and playing wide receiver on offense, which would you rather have—Hester as a returner or as a receiver?

While I intend to answer this question, this is something I want to hear your (Bears fans or NFL fans alike) thoughts on as well.

In answering this question, another question might surface like this:

Are you disappointed with Hester's performance returning kicks and punts this season?

Certainly I am. After watching Hester be 'ridiculous' the past two seasons, this season seems to be missing the 'magic' of Hester as a returner. Sure, I still watch Hester waiting deep for a return with the hope that he might break one...but I'm only met with the disappointment of a short return, a decent return, a long return, or fumble.

Story of Devin's season, right?

Yet, while Hester hasn't been returning touchdowns this season, he has made his presence felt as a wide receiver.

Statistically, Hester currently ranks second on the team with 39 receptions, is tied for second with three receiving touchdowns, and has the team's longest reception for a touchdown (65 yards).

I realize that these numbers are not very great among teams in the league, but a couple of things should be taken into consideration. For starters, the Bears are currently working things by committee at the wide receiver position—meaning that Hester equally splits time with Rashied Davis, Marty Booker, and Brandon Lloyd.

Secondly, Hester is being eased into his role as a receiver and—given the aformentioned rotation—I think he's emerged as enough of a consistent playmaker this season to go into the offsesaon (provided that things finish well this season) to compete for more more time at receiver.

Maybe he will become the Bears undisputed number one receiver.

Believe me when I say that I would love to see Hester break the return record, but maybe Hester could serve better as another piece of the puzzle to build a more legitimate Bears offense.

With Hester emerging, the promise and upside of Matt Forte, the blossoming of Kyle Orton, and the improvement of the Bears offensive line, this offense could be one or two players away from being a very good offense.

Maybe they could become good enough to carry this team when the defense cannot.

Maybe this could be the kind of offense a championship team has.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves—there are still three games left in this season, which means Hester has three opportunities left to return a touchdown this season.

Thursday night would certainly be a good start against the Saints, wouldn't it?