Thread: "Rashied Davis elated with 'special' chance in Chicago"

He's like a cockroach. He's a survivor.

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Bears: Rashied Davis elated with 'special' chance in Chicago

By Gene Chamberlain | CBSSports.com

August 6, 2012 2:37 pm ET

It took very little time for the Chicago Bears to find a replacement for retired wide receiver Devin Thomas -- they simply turned to an old, familiar face.


Rashied Davis, who played his first six years with the Bears, rejoined them Monday after Thomas had announced Sunday he was quitting football at the age of 25. Davis played for Detroit last year after the Bears cut him in preseason.


"Somebody walked off the field and if he didn't want his job I guess I want it," Davis explained about his return to Chicago.


As a Bear, his calling card was special teams, although he made some big catches. His catch against Seattle in the 2010 playoffs helped the Bears to the game-winning overtime field goal.


Davis always seemed to be slated by the media to be cut in training camp, but always seemed to survive and make contributions. When he left, he was a valuable gunner on punt coverage.


"Nothing has changed for me," he said. "It's no different than any time I was ever here. I was always expected to get cut, so I've always pushed to make (special) teams and I'm going to have to do the same this year."


It will be difficult for Davis to make the team based on offense. The passing attack is different than the Mike Martz offense used when Davis was cut.


"It's going to be hard, but it does make it easy that I know the system at least on special teams," he said. "I've been in it. I know the people, I know the players, I know the coaches.
"So that's going to make it a little bit easier but it's still going to be tough. Every year is tough. Training camp is the longest interview you ever go on."


The Bears have been auditioning D.J. Moore at special teams gunner but had originally thought Thomas might be able to do it. Some of their rookies have shown a knack for it, but special teams coordinator Dave Toub will give Davis every chance to prove he can still play the spot.


Davis got to play special teams in one game against the Bears last year for Detroit at Soldier Field and remembers it well.
"It was difficult," he said. "I only had to do it one time and that time we just happened to get smacked around a little bit (37-13)."