Ward's reputation as blocker not lost on Bears

When defensive players around the league talk about Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward being dangerous, they don't just mean as a pass catcher.

Although the 6-foot, 205-pound Ward has at least 975 yards in seven of the last eight seasons, what makes him dangerous is his ability to de-cleat defensive backs and linebackers with blocks that are just barely legal.

Ward so obscured that fine line of blocking that the NFL instituted a new rule this year, with an eye toward player safety, commonly referred to as the "Hines Ward Rule."

The rule makes illegal a blindside block if it comes from the blocker's helmet, forearm or shoulder and lands to the head or neck area of the defender.

One of the highlights the NFL competition committee used to portray such a point was the block Ward threw last season that broke the jaw of Cincinnati rookie linebacker Keith Rivers.

"They make rules for him now because of the crackback blocking and stuff like that," Bears cornerback Zack Bowman said. "Especially with him, you always have to have your head on a swivel. He can lay some hits. Look at what happened to Keith Rivers last year. You always have to respect a guy like Hines Ward. He can catch, run good routes, and he can also block."

Bowman was quick to add that he doesn't fear Ward, but he's aware of his presence.

"He's a man," Bowman said, "just like I'm a man."

In his 12th year in the league, Ward has missed just six games, despite his physical play, which known far and wide.

"Your reputation gets around in the league," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "Guys know how good a player Hines is and how tough a football player he is, so I think they're aware of that. He's a heck of a football player. Of course (Bears wide receivers coach) Darryl Drake coached him in college (at Georgia) and taught him everything he knows, so we know what we're getting there."

Bears safety Kevin Payne will be on the lookout.

"They changed the rules because of him," Payne said. You just have to know what type of guy he is. He's a very physical receiver so you have to watch out for him."