One of Chip Kelly’s major tasks as he takes over the Eagles will be to fix the team’s floundering special teams. It doesn’t take detailed analysis to conclude the Eagles special teams were woeful in 2012, but just in case you weren’t sure, well, now we have some proof.

Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News analyzed the special teams performances of each of the league’s 32 based on 22 different categories.

So just how are important are special teams? Four of the top five teams made the playoffs and another four finished in the top 15.

As for the Eagles, the only surprise is that they didn’t finish last. They ranked 28th overall, ahead of Oakland, Detroit, Washington and Carolina.

So perhaps it’s also unsurprising that April won’t be back in Philadelphia next season. Once a much-heralded special teams guru with Buffalo, April was a disaster in Philadelphia.

Also unsurprising? The Raiders hired April to coach special teams last week.

Here, of course, is April’s signature failure with the Eagles.

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said the offense missed some attention to detail, but did have energy in their loss to the Vikings on Tuesday.

After a surprising and disappointing 24-14 loss to the Vikings on Tuesday that took them out of contention for a first round bye, the Eagles are trying to figure out why their focus, energy and execution were lacking with so much on the line.

“That’s what bothers me,” said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

“Well that’s what we’re getting to the bottom of,” said defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

“That’s the disappointing part,” said special teams coordinator Bobby April.

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Special teams coordinator Bobby April knows his units have a tough test today. (Photo: Ryan Messick)

There’s little doubt that the Bears don’t have the offense to keep pace with the Eagles if today’s game turns into a track meet.  That’s why Chicago will try to slow down the pace and utilize sloppy field conditions to its advantage.  It’s also why Devin Hester’s return game is so important to the Bears, who struggle to generate much offense on their own.

Hester has regained his form this season after two down years in the return game. Combining punts and kicks, Hester returned five for touchdowns in 2006 and six in 2007.  He was held off the board in 2008 and 2009, in part due to his reputation and in part because of his increased role on offense.  This year Hester’s numbers as a wide receiver are down, but his returners have popped back up – he’s taken two punts to the house this season and has two kick returns for 68 yards and 32 yards.

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