Kiffin kick starts special-teams challenge

(11-07) 20:01 PST — Raiders coach Lane Kiffin might not have known it, but he created quite a stir in Bears country with a one-word answer during a teleconference Wednesday.

“Yes,” Kiffin told Chicago-area reporters when asked if he’ll kick the ball to Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester in the Raiders-Bears game Sunday at the Coliseum.

Off to the presses the newsflash went, with Chicago players giving their best “Oh yeah?” responses. Opposing teams have all but abandoned hope of kicking straight in light of Hester’s eight touchdown returns in 24 games.

“It’s one of those things where they’re calling us out,” Bears special teams starter Brendon Ayanbadejo said. “It’s a tough-guy thing. They’re telling you tie up your shoes really tight, put your mouthpiece on, your chin-strap on, and we’re going to play some football.

“And we’re going to accept that challenge.”

Well, maybe. It could be Kiffin is just yanking their chain so they expect something that never comes. After all, he’s never been one to give away pregame strategy.

“We’ll be ready for him and there are times when there will be return opportunities,” Kiffin said.

Hester missed practice Wednesday due to illness but is expected to play.

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