Returning kickoffs in today's NFL (1 Viewer)

[bweiser]

If you were an NFL coach, would you tell your kick returns to just take a knee deep in the end zone? More than 2-3 yards deep, it seems like returners are rarely getting to the 20-yard line. Also, let's say it is late in the game: you are wasting 5-7 seconds and probably giving up yard of field position. Ex: Texans just returned the KO after Ricky Williams' TD to the 20, but it took 8 seconds off the clock with only 4 minutes left.

Am I overanalyzing?

 

[Das Boot]

If you were an NFL coach, would you tell your kick returns to just take a knee deep in the end zone? More than 2-3 yards deep, it seems like returners are rarely getting to the 20-yard line. Also, let's say it is late in the game: you are wasting 5-7 seconds and probably giving up yard of field position. Ex: Texans just returned the KO after Ricky Williams' TD to the 20, but it took 8 seconds off the clock with only 4 minutes left.Am I overanalyzing?

For several teams, the KO return is a legit weapon and the upside of busting a long return outweighs the chance of not making it out to the 20.E.g. today I thought the Cowboys should have tried to return a KO from deep in the endzone with 20 seconds to go and needing a TD to win.They got the ball on the 20 and saved some time, but lost the chance of a deep return or maybe a TD.

 

[SacramentoBob]

If you're one of the teams with an elite kick return game, you can come out of the end zone. The rest need to kneel and stop starting at the 15.

 

[bweiser]

If you were an NFL coach, would you tell your kick returns to just take a knee deep in the end zone? More than 2-3 yards deep, it seems like returners are rarely getting to the 20-yard line. Also, let's say it is late in the game: you are wasting 5-7 seconds and probably giving up yard of field position. Ex: Texans just returned the KO after Ricky Williams' TD to the 20, but it took 8 seconds off the clock with only 4 minutes left.Am I overanalyzing?

For several teams, the KO return is a legit weapon and the upside of busting a long return outweighs the chance of not making it out to the 20.E.g. today I thought the Cowboys should have tried to return a KO from deep in the endzone with 20 seconds to go and needing a TD to win.They got the ball on the 20 and saved some time, but lost the chance of a deep return or maybe a TD.

I agree, in that situation you need the big play so the reward is far outweighed by the risk. I think he stepped on the end line on that one and couldn't have returned it, though if he really tried he probably could have fielded it and stayed in bounds.SacramentoBob: I just don't think there are enough teams with elite return games, though. I watched the Redskins today and maybe it was the Eagles coverage, but that kid Banks can return kicks from 9 yards deep if he was on my team.

 

[Jayrod]

If you're one of the teams with an elite kick return game, you can come out of the end zone. The rest need to kneel and stop starting at the 15.

Hester's TD return last night was incredible. So fast and yet smooth at the same time. Changing direction without even a slight slow down. He can bring it out any time he wants, IMO.