Bears excited about game week
<p align="left">Most of the Chicago Bears talked all about the emotional differences Monday associated with finally being able to focus on a regular-season game.
<p align="justify">Then there was Devin Hester. His take was more about receiving something other than kickoffs, punt returns or passes during the hoopla of opening day.
<p align="justify">"I'm very excited - I'm tired of the $800 checks," he said. "That's one of the main things players are talking about. We get bigger checks now."
<p align="justify">National Football League players don't start collecting their regular salaries until the regular season. During training camp, there's a set scale for rookies and veterans.
<p align="justify">Hester eventually got around to discussing what his teammates are focused on - the differences between preparing for preseason as opposed to the regular season. Chicago opens Sunday at San Diego.
<p align="justify">"I just want to go out and play the whole game," he said. Starters only play as much as half of a game once in four preseason dates.
<p align="justify">"As soon as you get in a groove in the preseason, it's time for them to take you out. Now we can see where when you get in a groove, and you get to stay in the whole game."
<p align="justify">Hester's teammates offered additional insight into the changes NFL teams experience at the start of the season. Veteran wideout Muhsin Muhammad talked about being able to practice on Labor Day, which doesn't happen on Mondays during the regular season.
<p align="justify">Plus, he might be able to don a chef's hat later.
<p align="justify">"I'm excited to start playing," he said. "Three or four weeks of games that don't count gets old quick. I know the guys on the team are excited about this week. We get an extra day in (Monday), then we get to go out and barbecue and hang out a little bit. And then come back in on Wednesday and get ready to go."
<p align="justify">As for a device that would measure the excitement level in the locker room, there would be some variation.
<p align="justify">Corner Charles Tillman said he thinks there is excitement. But …
<p align="justify">"I think everyone is trying to chill, relax," he said. "The game's not until Sunday. There's no need to be juiced up right now."
<p align="justify">Don't tell that to second-year defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek, who missed his rookie season because of injury.
<p align="justify">"I'm so excited I can't even stand it," he said. "I've been excited since last week, and here it is game week. The tension and anxiety is going to get higher and higher every day."
<p align="justify">Slot receiver Rashied Davis said he "loves game week. I'm excited for the season to get started."
<p align="justify">So is new safety Adam Archuleta, who said, "It feels good to get ready to play an actual game."
<p align="justify">"There's a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Guys are ready to play ball. Guys are hyped up and can't wait for it to get here. I think it's been that way all year, but guys are little more focused, a little more intense now."
<p align="justify">Nickel back Ricky Manning Jr. went so far as to say, "I'm excited to be at practice today."
<p align="justify">"It's for real - we're excited about that. Because now we get to prepare for a game, a complete four-quarter game. Going to San Diego, going on the road hypes it up that much more."
<p align="justify">Added Hester: "We're ready to kick off the season and look forward to a great season. Our big thing is going out and trying to compete for the Super Bowl again, as well as winning it."
<p align="justify">That would lead to a bonus paycheck, and now we know how Hester would feel about that.
Reed Schreck is the NFL Writer for the Rockford Register Star. Reach him at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com.