So they just said that it's a good idea for Mike Riley to keep DPE off special teams till he gets more comfortable. Are these guys for real? I'm stuck listening to them out of state. Is there any other options instead of these two online?
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- Thread starter Jason R Ward
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If DPE can't return punts this year then I would want to redshirt If I were him. His major opportunity to play in the league is as a return specialist and let's face it, his playing time at WR is only going to get less as we recruit the nation's best.
DPE brings much more than returning punts. His punt return abilities are perfect to play the slot in the Reilly offense. He loves jet sweeps and reverses. DPE is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. You can't put a linebacker on him when he's in the slot, which puts pressure on the defense to go nickel or dime, opening up the run game. If he's ready, you have to get him on the field. But the punt return game is risky in terms of being mentally ready. Keep him out for a few games
In my opinion he's safer playing wide receiver then returning punts. For him to be an efficient punt returner he needs to plant and cut forcefully and that's trouble coming off an ACL rupture.
Agreed to all that, and he simply isn't that big a guy, going to be taking more hits, from more angles and more people - on punt returns. Maybe one could let him " play into game shape" then test it from there?
Man. I don't know guys. 2 years ago he was one of the best. I think he should be looked at at KR and PR. Hell maybe I'm nuts too.
Sounds like DPE will be returning punts from what has been posted. Use your weapon. This guy will be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
But your in the flow of the game at receiver. Your cold when returning kicks or punts. That's why guys jump on a bike to stay warm and limber. I'm not saying never. They just need to work him into it through the season.
If he's ready he's ready, if he's not, he's not. It's pretty simple. You risk injury every time you go out on that field, if he's ready to go, play him where he's most effective.
i just think of Bobby Newcombe. Was never the same after that knee injury. Hell, I don't think Taylor ever regained his freshman form either.
You can be 100% healthy and still not have your mind in the right place after a ACL reconstruction. It's probably going to take him a little bit of time. And anything the coaching staff can do to help that process along is what needs to happen.
But the previous posts were referencing the physical nature of the injury and which position would be less physically demanding on a surgically repaired knee, not the mental part. It doesn't matter where he plays if he isn't mentally ready to make cuts and plant.
I ruptured my ACL and was an I back. It took me two years of rehab and I was cleared to play yet planting and cutting was always a gamble in the back of your head. Your knee is everything in football. It's not either or. For as important the physical aspect is the mental part is just as important.