Punt Returner

ChocolateMilk · Post by **ChocolateMilk** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:12 am

VetSkinsFan wrote:I don't like the idea of someone we're hoping to start doing PR. Isn't that the reason why Moss isn't doing PR/KR?

let rock or thrash do it.. they wont dance around back there and get us nothing. they run in one direction and thats downfield.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:15 am

VetSkinsFan wrote:I don't like the idea of someone we're hoping to start doing PR. Isn't that the reason why Moss isn't doing PR/KR?

I don't see Devon starting this year... But typically I agree.

But look at what it does for the Saints and the Panthers? Although I think Steve Smith only does it from time to time.

I'd let Rock do it for now.

RedskinsRule56 · Post by **RedskinsRule56** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:27 pm

Randle-El Sucked on punt returns last year, I believe last year he averaged around 9.5 yards a return whch was one of the worst averages in the NFC. He was awful on returns last year and looks the same this season, not to mention the fumble yesterday, Rock Cartwright is an awesome kickoff returner I Believe he was 3rd in average in the NFC last year around 29.2 per return, I would like to see us look at Having Rock return punts or James Thrash do it.Both of those guys are sure handed and I feel would be much better options then having ARE doing it. Also factor in that ARE is our #2 WR and there is no need to risk him getting hurt on returning punts.

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:05 pm

Redskins Re-evaluating Punt Returners

By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
Posted: September 15, 2008

The Redskins are considering making a change at punt returner, Jim Zorn said on Monday.

Antwaan Randle El is the Redskins’ primary punt returner, but he has struggled in two games this season. He has five returns for a 4.2-yard average.

On Sunday, Randle El had four returns for a 5.8-yard average and also fumbled once.

“We’re going to talk about the [punt return] situation,” Zorn said. “We have other [options] there.”

Zorn pointed to Santana Moss and James Thrash as possibilities, but added that Randle El would stay in the mix.

“Antwaan is not [careless] when it comes to punt returns,” Zorn said. “I’m not down on him at all. We just need to get more production there. We have Santana if we need to make a change there. We’re going to talk about that as we go along.”

As Randle El has taken on a greater role on offense in recent years, his numbers as a punt returner have slipped.

Last year, Randle set career highs with 51 catches for 728 yards, but his 6.1-yard punt return average was a career low.

Randle El said on Monday that he still wants to serve as the Redskins’ primary punt returner, although he welcomes a rotation with Moss or Thrash.

“I don’t have a problem with that,” Randle El said. “We’ll treat it as a one-two punch and we’ll work at it.”

Randle El said his punt return stats were down last year because he had a series of nagging injuries, including a sore hamstring. This year, he is healthy and expects better production, even if it hasn't showed up in the first two weeks of the regular season.

Moss has not returned a punt since the 2005 season. He did it regularly with the New York Jets from 2001-04.

In his career, Moss has returned 95 punts for an 11.5-yard average and two touchdowns.

Thrash has returned 42 punts in his 12-year career, including twice last year. He has a 13.5-yard return average.

Rookie Devin Thomas has return sills, but he is not a candidate at this time, Zorn said.

“We see him more as a kickoff returner,” Zorn said.

I think Moss has a lot of talent, but I'd really hate to see him get hurt returning punts. I agree with Zorn that Thomas is more of a kickoff returner. If it was my choice, I'd give the job to Thrash and see how he does. Actually, his numbers are better than the others.

Wahoo McDaniels · Post by **Wahoo McDaniels** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:37 pm

VetSkinsFan wrote:I don't like the idea of someone we're hoping to start doing PR. Isn't that the reason why Moss isn't doing PR/KR?

Devin Thomas already plays on special teams. He's on the kick-off coverage team as are several other starters including: Sellars, Thrash, and Horton (those I can remember off the top of my head). Last year we had both Sean Taylor and Landry on the kick-off team. So, I think him getting hurt on special teams shouldn't be a concern. Also, I've always heard kick returning is where most people get hurt, not punt returning.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:46 pm

Wahoo McDaniels wrote:
VetSkinsFan wrote:I don't like the idea of someone we're hoping to start doing PR. Isn't that the reason why Moss isn't doing PR/KR?

Devin Thomas already plays on special teams. He's on the kick-off coverage team as are several other starters including: Sellars, Thrash, and Horton (those I can remember off the top of my head). Last year we had both Sean Taylor and Landry on the kick-off team. So, I think him getting hurt on special teams shouldn't be a concern. Also, I've always heard kick returning is where most people get hurt, not punt returning.

I said returns, not being on STs, there's a significant difference. Being the guy that kamikaze 285# fullbacks are gunning for is not my idea of fun, and not exactly my idea of safe.

Wahoo McDaniels · Post by **Wahoo McDaniels** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:03 am

VetSkinsFan wrote:
Wahoo McDaniels wrote:
VetSkinsFan wrote:I don't like the idea of someone we're hoping to start doing PR. Isn't that the reason why Moss isn't doing PR/KR?

Devin Thomas already plays on special teams. He's on the kick-off coverage team as are several other starters including: Sellars, Thrash, and Horton (those I can remember off the top of my head). Last year we had both Sean Taylor and Landry on the kick-off team. So, I think him getting hurt on special teams shouldn't be a concern. Also, I've always heard kick returning is where most people get hurt, not punt returning.

I said returns, not being on STs, there's a significant difference. Being the guy that kamikaze 285# fullbacks are gunning for is not my idea of fun, and not exactly my idea of safe.

Thus, my second point. I didn't realize there were significant injuries that occurred returning punts. Kick returning is a different story in which you can see the speed of the players running 65 yds down the field at you untouched can be dangerous and you can name guys who have been injured severely returning kick-offs (Koren Robinson, Michael Bates, Terry Kirby, Isiah Stanback) but I can't name anyone hurt on punts returns. Not saying it didn't or doesn't happen, just didn't think it was as dangerous.

CanesSkins26 · Post by **CanesSkins26** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:53 am

Randle El said his punt return stats were down last year because he had a series of nagging injuries, including a sore hamstring.

Sounds like an excuse to me. He sucked in 2006 also. What's his excuse for that season? Bottom line is that ARE hasn't lived up to expectations so far in his time in DC. He was signed to be both a dual threat in both special teams and on offense. Thus far we've gotten a mediocre receiver and a terrible punt returner.

Champsturf · Post by **Champsturf** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 2:53 am

See my response in the thread for ARE wallpaper...

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:34 am

Wahoo McDaniels wrote:
VetSkinsFan wrote:
Wahoo McDaniels wrote:
VetSkinsFan wrote:I don't like the idea of someone we're hoping to start doing PR. Isn't that the reason why Moss isn't doing PR/KR?

Devin Thomas already plays on special teams. He's on the kick-off coverage team as are several other starters including: Sellars, Thrash, and Horton (those I can remember off the top of my head). Last year we had both Sean Taylor and Landry on the kick-off team. So, I think him getting hurt on special teams shouldn't be a concern. Also, I've always heard kick returning is where most people get hurt, not punt returning.

I said returns, not being on STs, there's a significant difference. Being the guy that kamikaze 285# fullbacks are gunning for is not my idea of fun, and not exactly my idea of safe.

Thus, my second point. I didn't realize there were significant injuries that occurred returning punts. Kick returning is a different story in which you can see the speed of the players running 65 yds down the field at you untouched can be dangerous and you can name guys who have been injured severely returning kick-offs (Koren Robinson, Michael Bates, Terry Kirby, Isiah Stanback) but I can't name anyone hurt on punts returns. Not saying it didn't or doesn't happen, just didn't think it was as dangerous.

And if my only initial point is referenced, I specifically said PR/KR, not differentiating the two. I don't want any situation that reminds me of smear the queer back in the neighborhood games...

VRIEL1 · Post by **VRIEL1** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:11 am

I will agree that change is needed but Thomas is not the solution. Did you all not see when he was used as a kick returner during the preseason and would follow his blocker until the blocker would get hit and stopped. Then good ole Thomas would run into the back of the blocker and get tackled.

I bring this up because on kick offs the returner has more time to read the players coming down at him and he couldn't get it done. On punts the ball is kicked higher to allow the team to get under it and make a stop. One of two things have to change...either punt block better allowing the returner to get the ball and make a play or rush the punter better causing him to not get much hang time under it.

I don't care who you put back their, if the coverage is not good we will be fair catching the punts all day...or dancing with the stars.

Bob 0119 · Post by **Bob 0119** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:24 am

I think ARE's problem is that he keeps trying to find that home-run lane.

He needs to stop running side to side and just turn the ball up the field.

I wouldn't care if he's running sideline to sideline as long as it's at a 45 degree angle.

oneman56 · Post by **oneman56** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:55 am

Isn't Leigh Torrence one of the fastest guys on the team? I'd like to see them try someone like that or Tryon ( who I think was already mentioned) in the role of PR. Both should have above average hands and speed, also if either were to suffer some type of injury it wouldn't hurt the team nearly as much as if Moss, Randle El, Thrash or Rock were to be used.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:05 am

This needs to be resolved in the off-season...

I'd strip ARE of the title and give it to Rock Cartright. If you want to experiment, only do so with Moss and Thrash because they are experienced.

Tryon, Devon and others will bobble, fumble and make other retarded decisions. lol

DEHog · Post by **DEHog** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:44 am

Moss could handle punt return duties

http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/sep/16/moss-could-handle-punt-return-duties/

BnGhog · Post by **BnGhog** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:29 pm

I think ARE would be better if the did not do it full time.

I also think DT should be given a shot. I know what CLL is saying cause they rookies. But DT was doing it in collage. So he has experience, just not NFL eperience.
And to say a WR don't have experience, in an NFL Offense, and to say he don't have experience at NFL special teams is two different things.

Deadskins · Post by **Deadskins** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 2:07 pm

Bob 0119 wrote:I think ARE's problem is that he keeps trying to find that home-run lane.

He needs to stop running side to side and just turn the ball up the field.

I wouldn't care if he's running sideline to sideline as long as it's at a 45 degree angle.

I agree. He dances to much at the beginning, when he should be attacking. Great punt returners head up-field immediately, getting past the first wave of defenders by letting their momentum carry them beyond the point where they can make a tackle.

MDSKINSFAN · Post by **MDSKINSFAN** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:35 pm

SkinsFreak wrote:The fumble aside, is anyone else sick of seeing ARE dance around and run backwards on punt returns? I still like ARE on offense, I do, but watching him return punts is painful.

I know Thrash had a nice return last year, but who else on this team could return punts? Any thoughts?

i completely agree. all ARE wants to do is dance around and try to avoid people which he cant do that well. we need someone who can hit the hole and take off down field. i would say thrash, rock, or maybe even devin thomas? i would say moss but its pointless to risk an injury to a great receiver on a punt return that 95% of the time doesnt get returned for a TD anyway

tribeofjudah · Post by **tribeofjudah** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:29 pm

CHANGE IS COMING...........

The Redskins are considering making a change at punt returner, Jim Zorn said on Monday.

Antwaan Randle El is the Redskins’ primary punt returner, but he has struggled in two games this season. He has five returns for a 4.2-yard average.

On Sunday, Randle El had four returns for a 5.8-yard average and also fumbled once.

“We’re going to talk about the [punt return] situation,” Zorn said. “We have other [options] there.”

Zorn pointed to Santana Moss and James Thrash as possibilities, but added that Randle El would stay in the mix.

http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Ne ... _22899.jsp

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Punt Returner

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