Punt and Kickoff Returners '08 (1 Viewer)

[Mike Herman]

OAKLAND

Johnnie Lee Higgins learned how to hold on to the football this past offseason, which means he can finally put his track legs to work. Higgins cleanly fielded a punt - no small feat for him last year - and sped 53 yards for a touchdown return to open the scoring in Friday's exhibition win over the 49ers at the Coliseum. "He looked dynamic," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. As a rookie last year, Higgins was yanked from punt-return duties after fumbling twice. He worked on beefing up his technique and muscle in the offseason. Speed was never an issue, as was evident in his touchdown return. Higgins caught the ball at the Raiders 47, sidestepped incoming safety Keith Lewis, took a 45-degree angle to the end zone and made punter Andy Lee miss. Once in the end zone, he did two somersaults - one with hands, one without. The score put the Raiders up 7-0 with 3:26 left in the first half.

linkHe also had a 37 yard punt return negated by a penalty.

 

[Mike Herman]

BUFFALO

Leodis McKelvin, the Bills' first-round cornerback, displayed his much-hyped return ability. McKelvin tied an NCAA Division I-A record with eight return touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff) at Troy University. His skills were evident Saturday night as he averaged 30 yards on two kickoff returns and nearly took a punt to the house before being tackled after a 45-yard gain. "It was great to see Leodis almost take that kick and almost turn the field around on them," Jauron said. "And it happened fast. He showed his explosiveness." McKelvin was a lot more critical of his performance, saying he missed some holes on the kickoffs and he misread the coverage on the punt return. Still, McKelvin showed what all the fuss was about. And he added that this is just the beginning. "I feel like I'm just getting started," said McKelvin, who also got extensive work at cornerback. "I feel pretty good. Everything is coming to me and I'm getting back into it. By the [time the] season comes, I'll be full throttle."

linkTAMPA BAY

The Bucs used Micheal Spurlock and rookie Dexter Jackson on kickoff returns, giving the Bucs two potential game breakers in their effort to improve field position. The move didn't yield spectacular results — the longest return of the night was Jackson's 21-yard runback. They also split punt-return duties, with Spurlock taking the first couple of turns. But it's expected that Jackson will supplant him as the preseason progresses — or at least that's the plan, according to coaches. Rookie free agent Clifton Smith also got a look as a punt returner. On his first attempt, he slipped a couple of tacklers and scurried 30 yards to the Dolphins 43.

link

 

[Mike Herman]

JACKSONVILLE

Sleeper Alert...

Brian Witherspoon - The undrafted rookie from Stillman College made a big case for himself to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, despite fumbling on a punt return. Witherspoon broke up several passes on defense, and showed a special type of speed and explosiveness that the Jaguars haven’t had on special teams in a long time. Perhaps the most telling tale of Witherspoon’s emergence is that he saw time before fifth-round pick Trae Williams at cornerback. “The speed Witherspoon has showed up,” said Jack Del Rio. “We’re going to give him a good look in the preseason to see if he can add a dimension to our special teams.”

link

 

[massraider]

OAKLAND

Johnnie Lee Higgins learned how to hold on to the football this past offseason, which means he can finally put his track legs to work. Higgins cleanly fielded a punt - no small feat for him last year - and sped 53 yards for a touchdown return to open the scoring in Friday's exhibition win over the 49ers at the Coliseum. "He looked dynamic," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. As a rookie last year, Higgins was yanked from punt-return duties after fumbling twice. He worked on beefing up his technique and muscle in the offseason. Speed was never an issue, as was evident in his touchdown return. Higgins caught the ball at the Raiders 47, sidestepped incoming safety Keith Lewis, took a 45-degree angle to the end zone and made punter Andy Lee miss. Once in the end zone, he did two somersaults - one with hands, one without. The score put the Raiders up 7-0 with 3:26 left in the first half.

linkHe also had a 37 yard punt return negated by a penalty.

I will add that with the thumb injury to Tyvon Branch, JLH is in line to return kickoffs as well (BTW, Kiffin said McFadden would NOT be used in this capacity).There's really little competition at KR, and JLH may very well be doing both. If he can wiggle his way into the 3rd receiver role, he may be rosterable.

 

[lolabukowski]

Does anyone think Eddie Royal being named a starter on offense will decrease his # of returns? Right now I still see Martinez is still listed as primary KR and Royal as PR on the FBG depth charts.

 

[T Bell]

Redskins info on PR's:

Punt Returning

I also asked Zorn who is going to return punts in the regular season, and obviously you don't expose guys like Antwaan Randle El and Santana Moss to that duty in preseason, where a guy can get maimed. I thought Randle El had a very poor year returning punts in 2007, but Zorn said that ARE and Moss will handle the bulk of the duties going into the season, with James Thrash in the mix as well. Second-year corner Byron Westbrook is getting work there, too, as is Maurice Mann, but those guys may be hard-pressed to crack the roster, much less be active on game day.

 

[KellysHeroes]

OAKLAND

Johnnie Lee Higgins learned how to hold on to the football this past offseason, which means he can finally put his track legs to work. Higgins cleanly fielded a punt - no small feat for him last year - and sped 53 yards for a touchdown return to open the scoring in Friday's exhibition win over the 49ers at the Coliseum. "He looked dynamic," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. As a rookie last year, Higgins was yanked from punt-return duties after fumbling twice. He worked on beefing up his technique and muscle in the offseason. Speed was never an issue, as was evident in his touchdown return. Higgins caught the ball at the Raiders 47, sidestepped incoming safety Keith Lewis, took a 45-degree angle to the end zone and made punter Andy Lee miss. Once in the end zone, he did two somersaults - one with hands, one without. The score put the Raiders up 7-0 with 3:26 left in the first half.

linkHe also had a 37 yard punt return negated by a penalty.

Dam.. I hope Branch can restate his case once his thumb heals

 

[Mike Herman]

OAKLAND

Johnnie Lee Higgins learned how to hold on to the football this past offseason, which means he can finally put his track legs to work. Higgins cleanly fielded a punt - no small feat for him last year - and sped 53 yards for a touchdown return to open the scoring in Friday's exhibition win over the 49ers at the Coliseum. "He looked dynamic," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. As a rookie last year, Higgins was yanked from punt-return duties after fumbling twice. He worked on beefing up his technique and muscle in the offseason. Speed was never an issue, as was evident in his touchdown return. Higgins caught the ball at the Raiders 47, sidestepped incoming safety Keith Lewis, took a 45-degree angle to the end zone and made punter Andy Lee miss. Once in the end zone, he did two somersaults - one with hands, one without. The score put the Raiders up 7-0 with 3:26 left in the first half.

linkHe also had a 37 yard punt return negated by a penalty.

Dam.. I hope Branch can restate his case once his thumb heals

The team was already planning to split the return duties between the two of them... Higgins on punts and Branch on kickoffs. Branch will still be playing on defense in the preseason and should hopefully be able to field kicks again in a few weeks.

 

[Mike Herman]

ARIZONA

"If you have somebody who has a dynamic ability to be a threat in both areas, then obviously you want to give them the chance to have the ball in their hands. I don't think the more he participates offensively would detract from him doing that."

- HC Ken Whisenhunt on Steve Breaston

CHICAGO

"He wants to return. He hit me up again today at practice. He said, ‘I want to get at least one, coach.’ Maybe we’ve just got to pick our time or our spot during the preseason to give him a chance to get a live punt return and a live kickoff return."

- Special teams coordinator Dave Toub on Devin Hester

 

[Mike Herman]

HOUSTON

“I like the guy. I really do,” Texans specials teams coach Joe Marciano said. But Marciano’s affection is more along the lines of tough love, especially now that Jacoby Jones has been put on notice after he fumbled away a punt against Denver in the third quarter of last weekend’s preseason opener, setting up a Broncos field goal. “It’s something that will get fixed, I promise,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “Because whoever’s going to be back there is going to protect the ball.”

Ever since Jones arrived as the rawest of rookies last summer out of tiny Lane College in Jackson, Tenn., the Texans have nagged him about the risks attendant to how he carries the football, swinging it to and fro, and how he free-forms his way around the field, seeking extra yards that, all too often, simply aren’t there. No more 'street ball’ “He needs to learn to just get his foot in the ground and turn upfield more,” Marciano said. “He’s got to quit playing street ball.” If Kubiak and Marciano haven’t yet lost confidence in Jones — he’s got too much talent to be given up on easily — they are losing patience. “The sad part about it is we’ve addressed it over and over in practice,” Marciano said. “It’s not like we didn’t see this coming. He wasn’t even hit (on the turnover against the Broncos). He just dropped it.”

Jones said wet sleeves, which made the ball slick, caused him to lose it. But he also was properly contrite, admitting: “They get on me all the time, and they’re right. It’s something I’ve got to change.” He blames what he calls his “track form” — he was a star sprinter before he took up football as a junior at New Orleans’ Marion Abramson High School — for the ongoing problem. To which Marciano replies: “In track, people aren’t trying to take your head off. Nobody’s trying to strip the ball. He’s a young kid who has lots to learn. He wants to make a play every time, and he got away with that in college. But he has to realize that he can’t return every punt (for a touchdown). He has to pick and choose. “Sometimes it’s not there. When you try to make something out of nothing, that’s when you have a catastrophe. But we’ll get it corrected. He’ll get it corrected.”

Toward that end, Jones is now under orders to huddle privately with Marciano before every punt return. He is to receive his marching orders one-on-one. “I’m going to have a conversation with him before he goes on the field — every time,” Marciano said. “He’ll be the last one to find out what the return call is. He’ll have to come to me and get it, and then we’ll go over everything he needs to be thinking about.”

The Texans also have instituted a drill in practice in which Jones is made to run 40 to 50 yards past teammates, all of whom are determined to separate him from the football. And Jones admits there has rarely been a moment this week when he’s not thinking about what he needs to change to ensure a long and happy future with the Texans. Because of his 6-2, 207-pound frame and quick feet, he was deemed worthy of being a third-round selection in the 2007 draft. At Lane, he had been an All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection at receiver, punt returner and kickoff returner. Often the best athlete on the field, he seemed to think all things possible. Or, as Marciano put it, “He could get away from some of that stuff in college.”

His instincts will tell him one thing, while Marciano will be screaming something different in his ear. It sounds like Jones would be better served to listen to the latter. “The big issue here is that he wants to make a big play every time he touches the ball,” Marciano said. “That just doesn’t happen in the NFL.” Added Kubiak in a sterner tone: “We’re going to change him. We’re tired of talking about it. We’ve been teaching softly, and now it’s going to get a little harder. He’s still swinging the ball around, and we can’t have that. “The bottom line is he’s not going back there anymore if he turns the ball over.”

linkGREEN BAY

Will Blackmon owns every kick return record there is at Boston College, so it seems a little bizarre that he would have to overcome his punt-return phobia to become the Green Bay Packers' main man for the job this season. Blackmon reached around his locker for his backpack to explain. His school had just sent him a media guide and sure enough, there it is: Most returns overall, 110; most return yardage overall, 2,700; most return yardage in a season, 922 — Will Blackmon. But those were all kickoff returns, where there’s a good bit of distance between Blackmon and the opposing line cruising toward him. That comfort zone allowed the special teams to block for him. But punt returns are the bungee jumps of football. They are not for the faint of heart. “It’s funny. All my life I had a big punt-return phobia,” Blackmon said. “I did not want to do it. I couldn’t do it. I was terrified. Terrified. Why? I mean, they’re coming down to kill you. And then Coach said, ‘Get out there.’ ”

In 2004, Blackmon and the Eagles upset No. 13 West Virginia. Whether by fear or by talent or some stomach-flipping combination of the two, Blackmon ripped off a 71-yard touchdown on a punt return, the longest in school history, to put an exclamation point on Boston College’s thrilling 36-17 victory. Blackmon’s kickoff-return average remained a healthy 27.2 yards in college but he never really felt comfortable fielding punts. “It wasn’t until I got here in Green Bay that I got over that phobia,” Blackmon said. “Devin Hester, he and I have the same agent. We were talking and the one thing we both figured out was: Expect to get hit. You know? If you catch it, just expect to get hit and if you don’t, you’re cool.”

With veteran cornerback Charles Woodson relieved of his 2007 punt-return duties, Green Bay gave two of its three top punt-return men a look against Cincinnati on Monday in the Packers’ first exhibition game. Blackmon had two returns for 9 yards. Rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson added four returns for 31 yards. “We’ve got some depth in the return area for the first time,” special teams coordinator Mike Stock said. So far the punt-return job looks to be Blackmon’s, “and hopefully he can remain healthy,” said Stock, but Tramon Williams could fit in that role with Nelson as well. “It’s mine,” Blackmon proclaimed. “It’s preseason so we’re all out there to get a shot, but I believe I’m the main guy right now and I don’t plan on giving it away.” Blackmon, who also is vying for the nickel cornerback spot, has spent his first two years with the Packers rehabilitating injuries, so he is counting on redemption this year, starting with special teams. Before every practice he arrives 20 minutes early to catch 20 punts from the punting machine.

The goal for a Green Bay punt returner is to average 10 yards per return, because that’s one fewer first down needed by the offense. “But the main thing is ball security; that’s first and foremost,” said Blackmon, who considers his judgment his greatest asset even though he has 20-20 vision, is fast and rarely fumbled at Boston College. “Catch before you do anything; that’s my No. 1 thing.” Said Stock: “We’ve wanted to be able see this from Will since he first put on a Green Bay Packers uniform. We’ve been waiting for this. He’s got loads of ability, tremendous potential, great attitude. It makes a difference with the other 10 guys, too. They see what the potential is; it makes them work a little harder to do a little better job blocking.”

link

 

[KellysHeroes]

OAKLAND

Johnnie Lee Higgins learned how to hold on to the football this past offseason, which means he can finally put his track legs to work. Higgins cleanly fielded a punt - no small feat for him last year - and sped 53 yards for a touchdown return to open the scoring in Friday's exhibition win over the 49ers at the Coliseum. "He looked dynamic," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. As a rookie last year, Higgins was yanked from punt-return duties after fumbling twice. He worked on beefing up his technique and muscle in the offseason. Speed was never an issue, as was evident in his touchdown return. Higgins caught the ball at the Raiders 47, sidestepped incoming safety Keith Lewis, took a 45-degree angle to the end zone and made punter Andy Lee miss. Once in the end zone, he did two somersaults - one with hands, one without. The score put the Raiders up 7-0 with 3:26 left in the first half.

linkHe also had a 37 yard punt return negated by a penalty.

Dam.. I hope Branch can restate his case once his thumb heals

The team was already planning to split the return duties between the two of them... Higgins on punts and Branch on kickoffs. Branch will still be playing on defense in the preseason and should hopefully be able to field kicks again in a few weeks.

I drafted both guys... maybe one will overtake both jobs

 

[The Noid]

.

 

[Mike Herman]

NEW YORK GIANTS

"That was not something we wanted them to do. That was more of something they probably saw on 'Hard Knocks' that the Cowboys were doing, so I'm going to get that corrected.... Yeah, not something we teach. Maybe it's a drill that you do individually, but you don't want to do that in a team setup."

- Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn regarding Domenik Hixon, R.W. McQuarters and Ahmad Bradshaw catching punts while holding a second football

 

[Mike Herman]

BUFFALO

In last night's game...

Leodis McKelvin, the Bills' 2008 first-round pick, electrified the crowd by running a punt back 95 yards to put Buffalo up 24-14. McKelvin, the No. 11 draft pick overall, may not be ready to start at cornerback, but the player who tied a U.S. college Division I-A record with eight career returns for touchdowns could very well give the Bills a huge boost in the return game this season. "He stuck that foot on the ground and just exploded," Jauron said. "And when he does that, he looks like no one can catch him. We thought he was talented and he's showed it."

link

 

[Mike Herman]

PHILADELPHIA

After two games of the Lorenzo Booker experiment, it may be time for a different experiment. Booker, the ballyhooed free agent pickup from the Dolphins, has struggled with his kickoff returns in both of the Eagles’ preseason games. He’s averaging 14.2 yards on six returns and last night managed only 20 total yards on three returns. Late in the first quarter yesterday, he muffed a Lloyd kickoff at the 5-yard-line. And although he did recover, he managed only seven yards on the return, giving the offense possession at its own 12-yard-line. “You’ve got to catch the ball,” Booker said. “You’d like to say the ball was slipping, but I played in the snow last year and probably caught the ball better than I caught the ball all season long. I’ve caught the ball in worse weather than that. Fact of the matter is that I failed to make plays. That’s something that I personally have to work on. I understand how it is. You’ve got to make plays on special teams and right now I’m not doing that.”

Head coach Andy Reid said after the game he’ll consider using rookie Quintin Demps in place of Booker with the first return unit starting on Friday night, when the Eagles face the Patriots in Foxboro, Mass., in their third of four preseason games. demps has only returned one kick in each preseason game but had a 23-yarder against the Steelers and a 28-yarder last night against the Panthers for a 25.5 average. Booker has never returned kickoffs before. Demps, who is also playing very well on defense, averaged 22.4 yards on 22 kickoff returns during his years at UTEP. “Demps will probably get a few more shots,” Reid said early this morning, after the Eagles’ 24-13 win over the Panthers at the Linc.

Asked what’s happening with Booker, Reid said, “I don’t know that to tell you the truth, I have to take a peek (at the film). I know that he dropped the ball, and you can’t do that. That’s where you have to start, and once you do that, you have to work to get yourself into position to catch it. “It’s just a matter of experience, because he hasn’t done this before. He’s working through it.”

LINK

 

[jpeace121]

 

[Mike Herman]

OAKLAND

"I don't really have anybody else to look at; that's the problem. There isn't anybody there that's very dynamic with the ball. We're worried that if Johnnie can't do it, we're in a little trouble in the return game."

- HC Lane Kiffin after Jonnie Lee Higgins did very poorly on punt returns in this week's game

 

[Mike Herman]

HOUSTON

Second-year receiver Jacoby Jones made another big mistake on a punt return. A week after fumbling a punt against Denver, Jones took off running before he completely secured the ball in the first quarter against New Orleans. He ended up dropping the ball – something the Texans had emphasized all week with him in hopes of correcting the problem. Former Texans linebacker Troy Evans recovered the fumble on the Texans’ 10-yard-line, and the Saints’ offense got back on the field and eventually scored on a field goal. Jones, who grew up in New Orleans, got another opportunity to return a punt at the beginning of the second quarter. He secured the ball and then returned it 19 yards before being brought down.

LINK

 

[T Bell]

OAKLAND

"I don't really have anybody else to look at; that's the problem. There isn't anybody there that's very dynamic with the ball. We're worried that if Johnnie can't do it, we're in a little trouble in the return game."

- HC Lane Kiffin after Jonnie Lee Higgins did very poorly on punt returns in this week's game

Oof.

 

[TEOM]

Is there a master list or pay content article (that I am apparently not finding) that spells out at least preliminary KR/PR duties? I can use the depth chart but it doesn't really give the full picture that I am looking for such as: Is the person the primary KR, can they lose reps if they are a full time starter on Offense or Defense, etc....

 

[KellysHeroes]

OAKLAND

"I don't really have anybody else to look at; that's the problem. There isn't anybody there that's very dynamic with the ball. We're worried that if Johnnie can't do it, we're in a little trouble in the return game."

- HC Lane Kiffin after Jonnie Lee Higgins did very poorly on punt returns in this week's game

Oof.

When will Branch be Ready?

 

[Eviloutsider]

Is there a master list or pay content article (that I am apparently not finding) that spells out at least preliminary KR/PR duties? I can use the depth chart but it doesn't really give the full picture that I am looking for such as: Is the person the primary KR, can they lose reps if they are a full time starter on Offense or Defense, etc....

This is exactly what I am looking for.

 

[Mike Herman]

Is there a master list or pay content article (that I am apparently not finding) that spells out at least preliminary KR/PR duties? I can use the depth chart but it doesn't really give the full picture that I am looking for such as: Is the person the primary KR, can they lose reps if they are a full time starter on Offense or Defense, etc....

This is exactly what I am looking for.

The closest thing we have during the preseason would be to check the Special Teams sections in the Weekly Camp Updates.During the regular season see the weekly Returnerguys feature.

 

[Eviloutsider]

Screw it, I bet we could make a nice list atleast for the KR. I will create the skeleton for it, if you know who is the main KR for the team please let me know and I will update. These below are in accordance with NFL.com depth charts. IF anyone wants I could start a new thread with this info in the first post as well as updating when needed.

AFC North

Ravens-Figurs (KR and PR)

Bengals-Holt (Chatman PR)

Browns-Cribbs (KR and PR)

Steelers-N. Washington (KR and PR)

AFC South

Titans-C. Henry (Finnegan-PR)

Texans-A. Davis (J. Jones-PR)

Jaguars-Jones-Drew (Northcutt-PR)

Colts-TJ Rushing (KR and PR)

AFC East

Patriots-E. Hobbs (W. Welker-PR)

Jets-L. Washington (KR and PR)

Dolphins-T. Ginn (KR and PR)

Bills-T. McGee (Parrish-PR)

AFC West

Chargers-D. Sproles (KR and PR)

Broncos-A. Hall (Royal-PR)

Chiefs-B. Sams (KR and PR)

Raiders-J. Higgins (KR and PR)

NFC North

Packers-T. Williams (Woodson-PR)

Bears-Hester (KR and PR)

Vikings-B. Wade (M. Moore-PR)

Lions-T. Walters (Furrey-PR)

NFC South

Bucs-D. Jackson (KR and PR)

Panthers-R. Robinson (KR and PR)

Saints-P. Thomas (L. Moore-PR)

Falcons-Norwood (A. Jennings-PR)

NFC East

Giants-Hixon (McQuarters-PR)

Redskins-Cartwright (Randle El-PR)

Cowboys-Austin (Newman-PR)

Eagles-D. Jackson (KR and PR)

NFC West

Seahawks-Burleson (KR and PR)

49ers-Rossum (KR and PR)

Cardinals-Breaston (KR and PR)

Rams-D. Hall (KR and PR)

 

[jpeace121]

Screw it, I bet we could make a nice list atleast for the KR. I will create the skeleton for it, if you know who is the main KR for the team please let me know and I will update. These below are in accordance with NFL.com depth charts. IF anyone wants I could start a new thread with this info in the first post as well as updating when needed.AFC NorthRavens-Figurs (KR and PR)Bengals-Holt (Chatman PR)Browns-Cribbs (KR and PR)Steelers-N. Washington (KR and PR)AFC SouthTitans-C. Henry (Finnegan-PR)Texans-A. Davis (J. Jones-PR)Jaguars-Jones-Drew (Northcutt-PR)Colts-TJ Rushing (KR and PR)AFC EastPatriots-E. Hobbs (W. Welker-PR)Jets-L. Washington (KR and PR)Dolphins-T. Ginn (KR and PR)Bills-T. McGee (Parrish-PR)AFC WestChargers-D. Sproles (KR and PR)Broncos-A. Hall (Royal-PR)Chiefs-B. Sams (KR and PR)Raiders-J. Higgins (KR and PR)NFC NorthPackers-T. Williams (Woodson-PR)Bears-Hester (KR and PR)Vikings-B. Wade (M. Moore-PR)Lions-T. Walters (Furrey-PR)NFC SouthBucs-D. Jackson (KR and PR)Panthers-R. Robinson (KR and PR)Saints-P. Thomas (L. Moore-PR)Falcons-Norwood (A. Jennings-PR)NFC EastGiants-Hixon (McQuarters-PR)Redskins-Cartwright (Randle El-PR)Cowboys-Austin (Newman-PR)Eagles-D. Jackson (KR and PR)NFC WestSeahawks-Burleson (KR and PR)49ers-Rossum (KR and PR)Cardinals-Breaston (KR and PR)Rams-D. Hall (KR and PR)

Isn't Carr going to have some return duty at TEN?

 

[Mike Herman]

Screw it, I bet we could make a nice list atleast for the KR. I will create the skeleton for it, if you know who is the main KR for the team please let me know and I will update. These below are in accordance with NFL.com depth charts. IF anyone wants I could start a new thread with this info in the first post as well as updating when needed.AFC NorthRavens-Figurs (KR and PR)Bengals-Holt (Chatman PR)Browns-Cribbs (KR and PR)Steelers-N. Washington (KR and PR)AFC SouthTitans-C. Henry (Finnegan-PR)Texans-A. Davis (J. Jones-PR)Jaguars-Jones-Drew (Northcutt-PR)Colts-TJ Rushing (KR and PR)AFC EastPatriots-E. Hobbs (W. Welker-PR)Jets-L. Washington (KR and PR)Dolphins-T. Ginn (KR and PR)Bills-T. McGee (Parrish-PR)AFC WestChargers-D. Sproles (KR and PR)Broncos-A. Hall (Royal-PR)Chiefs-B. Sams (KR and PR)Raiders-J. Higgins (KR and PR)NFC NorthPackers-T. Williams (Woodson-PR)Bears-Hester (KR and PR)Vikings-B. Wade (M. Moore-PR)Lions-T. Walters (Furrey-PR)NFC SouthBucs-D. Jackson (KR and PR)Panthers-R. Robinson (KR and PR)Saints-P. Thomas (L. Moore-PR)Falcons-Norwood (A. Jennings-PR)NFC EastGiants-Hixon (McQuarters-PR)Redskins-Cartwright (Randle El-PR)Cowboys-Austin (Newman-PR)Eagles-D. Jackson (KR and PR)NFC WestSeahawks-Burleson (KR and PR)49ers-Rossum (KR and PR)Cardinals-Breaston (KR and PR)Rams-D. Hall (KR and PR)

Isn't Carr going to have some return duty at TEN?

Yes. NFL.com appears to be a year behind on quite a few of these. I'll update this list when I get a chance... :brokenrecord: see the Camp reports for the latest updates.

 

[TEOM]

No Leodis McKelvin in Buffalo either....maybe I should just outright ask a couple of my primary concerns:

-How much does McKelvin take away from McGee?

-Is there a threat to Ted Ginn in Miami?

-Is Ellis Hobbs REALLY the guy in NE? He was rotated out a lot last year possibly due to fatigue?

Thanks for your info Mike. I will go take a look at the camp updates to see if I can glean what I am looking for there...was sort of hoping for a collection pool of the info though :lazy:

 

[ericttspikes]

BUFFALO

In last night's game...

Leodis McKelvin, the Bills' 2008 first-round pick, electrified the crowd by running a punt back 95 yards to put Buffalo up 24-14. McKelvin, the No. 11 draft pick overall, may not be ready to start at cornerback, but the player who tied a U.S. college Division I-A record with eight career returns for touchdowns could very well give the Bills a huge boost in the return game this season. "He stuck that foot on the ground and just exploded," Jauron said. "And when he does that, he looks like no one can catch him. We thought he was talented and he's showed it."

link

That was the most Hester-like return I've seen in a while. I never heard of the guy before, but that was an exciting return. I have to think the Buffalo D/ST will be a nice value pick this year if he's able to rip a few of those off.

 

[Jayrod]

No Leodis McKelvin in Buffalo either....maybe I should just outright ask a couple of my primary concerns:

-How much does McKelvin take away from McGee? No one knows yet and the team isn't saying (I don't think they know yet).

-Is there a threat to Ted Ginn in Miami? No.

-Is Ellis Hobbs REALLY the guy in NE? He was rotated out a lot last year possibly due to fatigue? They'll likely rotate...at least that is their history.

Thanks for your info Mike. I will go take a look at the camp updates to see if I can glean what I am looking for there...was sort of hoping for a collection pool of the info though :lazy:

 

[Jayrod]

Here's my personal short lists of rosterable return men (note, this is not exhaustive and merely my opinion)

OFFENSE

Ted Ginn WR, MIA - Miami's #1 receiver and has no competition for returns at the time being. Team will give up points and be behind a lot. He could be worth wayyy more than many people value him if you get return yards. Should top 1,500 yds again and likely bet for 500-800 receiving yards and a total of 7 TD's.

Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAX - everyone knows his value as a RB, but add in return yards and he's been top 10 the past two years. However, rumor has it his returns will be limited a bit more this year. I don't think they'll be able to keep him off of KR's unless Fred goes down, in which case he'll be a beast of a RB. He's a top 5 dynasty back in return yardage leagues.

Devin Hester WR, CHI - Is being touted as a starting WR in conjuction to being the league's most dangerous return man. Offensive numbers will be tough to predict, but his return yards should be there again. If he's really what Chicago says he is, he could challenge Ginn for top WR/returner. He's got a lot of upside potential in return yardage formats.

Josh Cribbs WR, CLE - top return yardage guy last year (over 2,000 yds), but is very limited on the offensive side of the ball. Safe option, but low potential (unless some of the WR's get hurt in Cleveland).

Nate Burleson WR, SEA - looks like he may become Seattle's #1 WR, but may have his returns limited or even taken away completely if that happens. Safe bet as he'll either get returns or catches and maybe both.

Leon Washington RB, NYJ - Looks to be getting more and more looks on offense. Was pretty solid in both return yardage and offensive stats last year. Consistant option.

Steve Breaston WR, ARI - had over 1,600 return yards last year and looks like he may be the WR3 in Arizona. Combine Breaston's returns with 80% of Bryant Johnson's numbers last year and see what you get. That's what I'm expecting right now. He'll be the 2007 version of Burleson.

Jonathan Stewart RB, CAR - will be getting the KR per the head coach, no matter what his role on offense. MJD type potential, IMO. Return yards make him a safer value as an RB3 or even RB2 (depending on scoring systems).

Honorable mentions....Chris Johnson RB, TEN; Lorenzo Booker RB, PHI; Ray Rice RB, BAL; Jerious Norwood RB, ATL; DeSean Jackson WR, PHI

I'll try and do some defensive guys later for IDPer's......

 

[Mike Herman]

-Is Ellis Hobbs REALLY the guy in NE? He was rotated out a lot last year possibly due to fatigue? They'll likely rotate...at least that is their history.

Matt Slater is probably the biggest threat to his KR role... if he makes the final roster.

 

[Mike Herman]

Here's my personal short lists of rosterable return men (note, this is not exhaustive and merely my opinion)

OFFENSE

Ted Ginn WR, MIA - Miami's #1 receiver and has no competition for returns at the time being. Team will give up points and be behind a lot. He could be worth wayyy more than many people value him if you get return yards. Should top 1,500 yds again and likely bet for 500-800 receiving yards and a total of 7 TD's.

Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAX - everyone knows his value as a RB, but add in return yards and he's been top 10 the past two years. However, rumor has it his returns will be limited a bit more this year. I don't think they'll be able to keep him off of KR's unless Fred goes down, in which case he'll be a beast of a RB. He's a top 5 dynasty back in return yardage leagues.

Devin Hester WR, CHI - Is being touted as a starting WR in conjuction to being the league's most dangerous return man. Offensive numbers will be tough to predict, but his return yards should be there again. If he's really what Chicago says he is, he could challenge Ginn for top WR/returner. He's got a lot of upside potential in return yardage formats.

Josh Cribbs WR, CLE - top return yardage guy last year (over 2,000 yds), but is very limited on the offensive side of the ball. Safe option, but low potential (unless some of the WR's get hurt in Cleveland).

Nate Burleson WR, SEA - looks like he may become Seattle's #1 WR, but may have his returns limited or even taken away completely if that happens. Safe bet as he'll either get returns or catches and maybe both.

Leon Washington RB, NYJ - Looks to be getting more and more looks on offense. Was pretty solid in both return yardage and offensive stats last year. Consistant option.

Steve Breaston WR, ARI - had over 1,600 return yards last year and looks like he may be the WR3 in Arizona. Combine Breaston's returns with 80% of Bryant Johnson's numbers last year and see what you get. That's what I'm expecting right now. He'll be the 2007 version of Burleson.

Jonathan Stewart RB, CAR - will be getting the KR per the head coach, no matter what his role on offense. MJD type potential, IMO. Return yards make him a safer value as an RB3 or even RB2 (depending on scoring systems).

Honorable mentions....Chris Johnson RB, TEN; Lorenzo Booker RB, PHI; Ray Rice RB, BAL; Jerious Norwood RB, ATL; DeSean Jackson WR, PHI

I'll try and do some defensive guys later for IDPer's......

Keep an eye on the Jaguars situation, where DB Brian Witherspoon could make the roster as the surprise return specialist.

 

[greenline]

Mike,

How about Andre Davis in HOU? He was a the 24th ranked WR in my return yardage league. Is he still the guy for the Texans?

 

[Mike Herman]

Mike, How about Andre Davis in HOU? He was a the 24th ranked WR in my return yardage league. Is he still the guy for the Texans?

Yes, he is still the KR guy. He'll also practice on PRs this week, given Jacoby Jones' recent problems.

 

[GDogg]

-Is Ellis Hobbs REALLY the guy in NE? He was rotated out a lot last year possibly due to fatigue? They'll likely rotate...at least that is their history.

Matt Slater is probably the biggest threat to his KR role... if he makes the final roster.

Matt Slater is really, really fast and is a great return man. He hits the seam and doesn't mess around. I thought I read he was an excellent bet to make the roster as they are working with him at both WR and S in addition to Special Teams.

 

[dallas ram]

A few other situations that I'm watching, and corrections to the master list:

ATL: Supposedly they may be cutting out Norwood on KR's, Brown getting looks in camp

PIT: Mendenhall taking kickoffs so far- would make him a great pickup; M.Moore also in the mix, but not N. Washington. I heard a little talk of Holmes returning punts again but that seems to have died.

NO: Bush maybe taking PR's again? Would be awesome.

DAL: Austin went down today; Feix Jones was a great KR in college...why won't they use him?

NYG: Bradshaw is #2 RB, plus taking KR's so far

BAL: Ray Rice taking kicks would make him a great pickup, but Figurs is #1 right now.

Mike, do you think Witherspoon would replace MJD on kickoffs? Surely not...after his playoff game return last year?!

 

[Alias]

Domenik Hixon anyone?

 

[Mike Herman]

CLEVELAND

Browns Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson and Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs both left the game against the New York Giants on Monday in the first half with injuries and did not return. Anderson suffered a concussion and bruised right hand, and Cribbs had a left ankle injury. Cribbs limped to the team bus in a walking boot after the game. "Hopefully I'll be OK," he said. "I'll know more tomorrow."

LINKSorry Chase... I know you probably didn't sleep well last night.

 

[Mike Herman]

CLEVELAND

WR Joshua Cribbs: After undergoing an MRI, the results came back negative, meaning Cribbs has only has a high ankle sprain. He will miss 2-3 weeks of action, so the most likely option for him is to play again against the Cowboys Week 1. Until then, WR Syndric Steptoe will fill in.

link

 

[AnonymousBob]

Here's my personal short lists of rosterable return men (note, this is not exhaustive and merely my opinion)

OFFENSE

Ted Ginn WR, MIA - Miami's #1 receiver and has no competition for returns at the time being. Team will give up points and be behind a lot. He could be worth wayyy more than many people value him if you get return yards. Should top 1,500 yds again and likely bet for 500-800 receiving yards and a total of 7 TD's.

Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAX - everyone knows his value as a RB, but add in return yards and he's been top 10 the past two years. However, rumor has it his returns will be limited a bit more this year. I don't think they'll be able to keep him off of KR's unless Fred goes down, in which case he'll be a beast of a RB. He's a top 5 dynasty back in return yardage leagues.

Devin Hester WR, CHI - Is being touted as a starting WR in conjuction to being the league's most dangerous return man. Offensive numbers will be tough to predict, but his return yards should be there again. If he's really what Chicago says he is, he could challenge Ginn for top WR/returner. He's got a lot of upside potential in return yardage formats.

Josh Cribbs WR, CLE - top return yardage guy last year (over 2,000 yds), but is very limited on the offensive side of the ball. Safe option, but low potential (unless some of the WR's get hurt in Cleveland).

Nate Burleson WR, SEA - looks like he may become Seattle's #1 WR, but may have his returns limited or even taken away completely if that happens. Safe bet as he'll either get returns or catches and maybe both.

Leon Washington RB, NYJ - Looks to be getting more and more looks on offense. Was pretty solid in both return yardage and offensive stats last year. Consistant option.

Steve Breaston WR, ARI - had over 1,600 return yards last year and looks like he may be the WR3 in Arizona. Combine Breaston's returns with 80% of Bryant Johnson's numbers last year and see what you get. That's what I'm expecting right now. He'll be the 2007 version of Burleson.

Jonathan Stewart RB, CAR - will be getting the KR per the head coach, no matter what his role on offense. MJD type potential, IMO. Return yards make him a safer value as an RB3 or even RB2 (depending on scoring systems).

Honorable mentions....Chris Johnson RB, TEN; Lorenzo Booker RB, PHI; Ray Rice RB, BAL; Jerious Norwood RB, ATL; DeSean Jackson WR, PHI

I'll try and do some defensive guys later for IDPer's......

Fantastic!Unfortunately Cribbs, Burleson, Hester, Ginn, Stewart, and Leon were all drafted in my league but I've been keeping a close eye on Breaston.

If he does end up winning the #3 job he's going to be some great value.

 

[dirtywaters20]

Booker has been demoted from primary KR in Philadelphia. Quentin Demps is the primary KR as of right now. Jackson still in the lead for PR.

 

[Tecumseh]

Cribbs diagnosed with high ankle sprain, may not play until opener vs. Cowboys by Mary Kay Cabot Tuesday August 19, 2008, 7:15 PMBrowns Pro Bowl returner Josh Cribbs suffered a high ankle sprain against the Giants and could be out until the opener Sept. 7 against the Cowboys, a source told The Plain Dealer on Tuesday. Cribbs underwent X-rays and an MRI on Tuesday, both of which were negative. There is a chance he could play in the final preseason game against Chicago, but the starters usually play sparingly in that game anyway. It's more likely the Browns will rest him until the Cowboys game.

 

[Mike Herman]

DETROIT

Tailback Aveion Cason told the coaches he'd be interested in returning punts -- even though it's been awhile since he did it. "My freshman year in college," said Cason, who has only returned kickoffs since. "It's totally different. The ball is up there a long time (on punts) and you don't get to see those guys coming at you. It's tough, but I just got a feel for it." Marinelli called Devale Ellis the primary punt returner now because he's "very sure-handed."

linkOAKLAND

The Raiders lined up all comers to try for their kick-returner job Tuesday. All that was missing was a carnival tent for their bag of amazing tricks. Tyvon Branch chased down footballs to make one-handed catches. Jonathan Holland turned his back to the ball until the final second before whirling around for instant grabs. All the while, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin stared from the sideline, trying to identify a winner for the Sept. 8 season opener against the Broncos. "It's more complicated than you may think," Kiffin said about catching kickoffs. The same can be said about Kiffin's looming decision on a kick returner.

Branch was given the starting job during training camp. He was picked in the fourth round of April's draft, not so much because of his safety play at Connecticut, but because of his bursting speed and reliable hands as a kick returner. Those plans were sidetracked when Branch broke his right thumb in the exhibition opener and had surgery. His cast made kick returns seem impossible, but there he was Tuesday, taking kickoffs with six other candidates. He had to lean back to make cradle-like catches with his left hand instead of moving forward with the catch, but he caught the ball no less. "It's getting easier now," Branch said. "Judging the ball is half the battle, so I just want to make sure I don't lose that part of it." That the Raiders are letting him try at all with one hand says something about how the others are doing. "He's got the speed and he was catching the ball really well all through the offseason," Kiffin said. "Hopefully, he'll be the guy when he gets his cast off."

In the meantime, Kiffin is using unconventional drills to prepare the others: Holland, Drisan James, Michael Waddell, Rashad Baker, Chris Johnson and Johnnie Lee Higgins. With a JUGS machine launching kicks their way, players kept their backs turned to the ball for several seconds before whirling around. The focus drill forced them to locate the ball immediately and make the catch.

linkPITTSBURGH

Santonio Holmes said he is "a little nervous" about getting to return punts against the Vikings because he hasn't done it since his rookie season in 2006. But, he said he is looking forward to getting to do it again, even if Tomlin said he might use Holmes as a situational returner in the regular season. "If that's what it's capable of being, then that's what it's going to be," Holmes said. "If he needs me back there to make plays for the team, I'll jump back there anytime." Tomlin said Holmes might get to return punts in special situations in the regular season, comparing the role to the way the Washington Redskins used to employ cornerback Darrell Green as a part-time punt-returner. Green returned only 51 punts in his career, but he averaged 12 yards per return. "I think I can handle punts pretty well," Holmes said. "It's a different phase of the game that allows me to be more of a football player. It allows me to make plays."

link

 

[KellysHeroes]

OAKLAND

The Raiders lined up all comers to try for their kick-returner job Tuesday. All that was missing was a carnival tent for their bag of amazing tricks. Tyvon Branch chased down footballs to make one-handed catches. Jonathan Holland turned his back to the ball until the final second before whirling around for instant grabs. All the while, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin stared from the sideline, trying to identify a winner for the Sept. 8 season opener against the Broncos. "It's more complicated than you may think," Kiffin said about catching kickoffs. The same can be said about Kiffin's looming decision on a kick returner.

Branch was given the starting job during training camp. He was picked in the fourth round of April's draft, not so much because of his safety play at Connecticut, but because of his bursting speed and reliable hands as a kick returner. Those plans were sidetracked when Branch broke his right thumb in the exhibition opener and had surgery. His cast made kick returns seem impossible, but there he was Tuesday, taking kickoffs with six other candidates. He had to lean back to make cradle-like catches with his left hand instead of moving forward with the catch, but he caught the ball no less. "It's getting easier now," Branch said. "Judging the ball is half the battle, so I just want to make sure I don't lose that part of it." That the Raiders are letting him try at all with one hand says something about how the others are doing. "He's got the speed and he was catching the ball really well all through the offseason," Kiffin said. "Hopefully, he'll be the guy when he gets his cast off."

In the meantime, Kiffin is using unconventional drills to prepare the others: Holland, Drisan James, Michael Waddell, Rashad Baker, Chris Johnson and Johnnie Lee Higgins. With a JUGS machine launching kicks their way, players kept their backs turned to the ball for several seconds before whirling around. The focus drill forced them to locate the ball immediately and make the catch.

link

Why are they playing w/ him... when Branch is ready, give him his shot. The Kid is catching the ball w/ a cast on his had!!!!JLH's fumble in the Tenn was awful, I couldn't trust that guy w/ the job after that.

 

[Mike Herman]

GREEN BAY

Jordy Nelson jumped into the running for one of the Green Bay Packers’ two starting kickoff-return slots, but he’ll need another strong return or two this week to supplant Tramon Williams or perhaps Will Blackmon to move up to the first team. Nelson, the Packers’ top draft pick this year, had returns of 56 yards and 58 yards in the second half last week against San Francisco’s backup kick-coverage team. He’ll probably get a chance for a return or two against Denver’s starting kick-coverage teams on Friday night, when both teams are expected to play their regulars into the third quarter, but not before Williams and Blackmon get their turns. “Those guys are the front-runners in this situation,” said Mike Stock, the Packers’ special-teams coach, “but certainly we want to see (Nelson) in there.”

LINK

 

[zenzephyros]

Alright Mike. I have my draft coming up soon and I am desperate to know if Maurice Jones-Drew is going to return kicks again. I believe that you mentioned that the team is looking to reduce his return role. Is this guy Witherspoon for real? What are the chances (in your opinion) that he takes the KR role away from MJD? Have you heard anything? In my league, MJD is a top 7 pick every year with the return yards, so I can legitimately take him in the 2nd round (I have the 7th pick) and it wouldn't be a reach. As always, thanks for your help!

 

[Mike Herman]

Alright Mike. I have my draft coming up soon and I am desperate to know if Maurice Jones-Drew is going to return kicks again. I believe that you mentioned that the team is looking to reduce his return role. Is this guy Witherspoon for real? What are the chances (in your opinion) that he takes the KR role away from MJD? Have you heard anything? In my league, MJD is a top 7 pick every year with the return yards, so I can legitimately take him in the 2nd round (I have the 7th pick) and it wouldn't be a reach. As always, thanks for your help!

Unfortunately, I doubt even the Jags know at this time. If Witherspoon continues to produce he'll be in the mix when the final roster cuts arrive, with the decision depending on what's going on at every other position.

 

[Jayrod]

Alright Mike. I have my draft coming up soon and I am desperate to know if Maurice Jones-Drew is going to return kicks again. I believe that you mentioned that the team is looking to reduce his return role. Is this guy Witherspoon for real? What are the chances (in your opinion) that he takes the KR role away from MJD? Have you heard anything? In my league, MJD is a top 7 pick every year with the return yards, so I can legitimately take him in the 2nd round (I have the 7th pick) and it wouldn't be a reach. As always, thanks for your help!

No certain news yet, but here's my best guess:Someone else will get most returns (be it Witherspoon or someone else). But in the case of a close game or if the team feels they need a boost, they will put MJD back there to give them that spark. He'll get maybe an average of 1 KR per game. Last year he only got 31 kick returns and put up 811 kick return yards. I'm expecting to cut that in half this season and give him 16 returns for 420 yards. He'll also get some looks at PR in some similar "game-changing" type situations, but those yards are negligible. Maybe 450 total return yards after 839 last season. Sure it would hurt a bit, but..................I have a feeling they are wanting to limit him on kickoffs because he will be getting a little bit more action on offense. So while his return yards will decrease, his offensive numbers could very well go up. But if they don't find anyone they feel is good enough to fill that role, they'll keep MJD back there, so there is still that chance as well. In return yardage leagues, MJD has a ton of upside from many angles and him falling to the second round in that format is ridiculous. He's done it now for two straight years where he averages over 1,200 combined yards, 12 TD's and over 25 yds/kr. In the second round, he's drafted at his floor.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Bump for Levin.

 

[Marc Levin]

:seehorn: