Return Game

[RingN2012]

What are thoughts on special teams personnel? I'm noticing in kick return, we are using backs and receivers as our blockers instead of tight ends, DBs, etc. Seems like natural blockers and tacklers would be better suited to block on kick return.
To tackle the first argument I foresee, you may say we need guys used to touching the ball to be able to catch a squib kick, but how often have you seen a squib until late In the game?

 

[RingN2012]

Really? No thoughts?

 

[gravedigger]

Of what you say is true we are trading potential yardage to avoid turnovers by putting a "hands" team out there. since it hasn't really hurt us, i'm ok with that.

 

[CadaverDawg]

What are thoughts on special teams personnel? I'm noticing in kick return, we are using backs and receivers as our blockers instead of tight ends, DBs, etc. Seems like natural blockers and tacklers would be better suited to block on kick return.
To tackle the first argument I foresee, you may say we need guys used to touching the ball to be able to catch a squib kick, but how often have you seen a squib until late In the game?

I agree with both you and gravedigger to an extent. The bottom line is, if Jameon Lewis is going to be returning the damn ball from 5 yards deep in the endzone, then we need to get some better blockers out there. If we're not going to put better blockers out there, then someone needs to tell his *** to kneel it at every single opportunity to do so. We need to win the field position battle against Tennessee in order to win the game, and if we're starting at the 10 yard line after every kickoff it could make for a tough day offensively. We saw last year against Auburn how field position can cost you a big game.