Audible – New PR: Who Ya Got?
Okay, so we did this with the kick returner after Leon’s injury, but now that Jim Leonhard has had thumb surgery, who do you want returning punts for this team?
In a way, this is more important than replacing the kick returner, because (as they have seen from several opponents this year) a muffed punt can be a huge momentum changer and catching punts in the swirling winds of the Meadowlands (and most other places at this time of year) is no formality.
Many reacted with shock when Darrelle Revis dropped back to return punts against the Jags, but almost everyone that fielded punts in preseason was unavailable (Leonhard – injured, Washington – injured, Stuckey – gone, Woodhead – inactive), so there may not be anyone else that the Jets trusted to actually field punts. Are you happy with Revis back there in a situation where a slight injury could slow him down and a cheap shot or bad fall could end his season? The likes of Ed Reed and Deion Sanders have returned punts in the past, but is it worth the risk?
Then again, if not Revis, who? Jerricho Cotchery has fielded punts before, but is just coming off an injury himself and is almost as important to the Jets offense as Revis is to the defense. Dwight Lowery was a talented punt returner in college and returned one for a score in 2008 preseason, but also had three fumbles in that role in a preseason game this year. Justin Miller looks about as comfortable under a punt as Brooks Bollinger does in the pocket. Another guy who was a punt returner in college is Marquice Cole, but he is untested at the pro levels. Finally, Woodhead fielded punts in preseason, but again lacks pro experience and, like Cole, isn’t exactly a certainty to be active.
Who else is there? As far as I can make out, Wallace Wright, David Clowney, Brad Smith and Drew Coleman lack experience. Beyond that, unless I’m forgetting someone, the cupboard appears bare. Maybe they will search the waiver wire again for a specialist (any suggestions?)
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I think they should try clowney first. Revis is too valuable at corner to have him get layed out on a punt return, plus he isn’t an offensive player which doesn’t make him a sissy (ha), but it does mean he is using his muscles more to tackle, as opposed to get tackled. Could that lead to a weakness for lack of a better phrase? Let’s not chance it shall we? I think we can all say we’d be up [adjective's] creek without a paddle if there was no darelle locking down a WR. Clowney does have that breakaway speed, and at this point, I don’t see the Jets as a playoff team, so if he muffs 2 whip him out and keep on truckin. To mess around with prow bowl starters seems foolish to me.
Use Maurice Cole. Speed, experience, not a big deal if he gets lost.
This is a major issue. I hated seeing Revis back there but we just need someone to catch the damn ball.
Heres my rule for Revis. As soon as the punter kicks the ball wave your right hand and call for the fair catch. I dont need the best CB in the league getting hurt returning a punt against ST’s players.
I dont think we need any of the names mentioned having on the job training in something as risky as PR especially if they have not done at a high level anywhere before.
Brendan,
I was screaming for ther Jets to not sign Miller and try Cole as a kick returner.
Seeing him as a PR scares me tho. I am not even sure why but it just does.
I blame A Allison for this whole ST’s problem…… lol
Well, I’d rather be scared about Cole’s catching abilities than Revis’ health. Revis is a tough CB, but as you know anything stupid can happen in the course of a play to hurt a player. And those punt returns take a toll on you, at least kickoff returns have you running full speed and not standing still like a tackling dummy.
Revis should be returning kickoffs for us it gives us the best chance to win! Who knows maybe he could have returned one for a td that could have won us a game! If he had gotten hurt we would have lost anyway. Also, it’s not like the Jets are the colts we have a weak offense that needs all the help it can get.
Bottom line: I rather try to win at all cost, rather than lose by 2 every week because we’re afraid to get our best player hurt
Clowney or Cole. Both have ideal speed for returning kicks. Clowney probably has better hands, being a WR, but Cole is probably slightly tougher being a DB. Close call.
Thinking outside the box, maybe they should just send 11 guys on a punt block every time and hope that the punt doesn’t roll too far if it isn’t blocked. Or just let them get the first down every time it’s third down and hope you manage to force a turnover before they score.
Failing that, Shaun Ellis caught a punt once in camp, I remember because it earned the team the afternoon off.
Even when Leonhard returns, he’ll probably have to wear a splint (which I have recent experience of and it would definitely affect how easy it was to catch a punt), so they need to find a solution here.
How bout Lito returning punts and KO’s? I’m pretty sure he had some nice INT returns for TDs in Philly. Also, if he gets hurt, Lowery can fill in pretty easily, where as if Revis gets hurt our entire secondary is in a lot of trouble.
Revis is fully capable (I remember this one insane return he had at Pitt), but its just not worth risking injury. I’d love to see Woodhead back there, but it doesnt seem as if the team wants to give him a shot. Lowery or Clowney?
Dylan – Good call, Lito does have some NFL punt return experience (8-66 with a long of 39), although with his injury proneness and apparent lack of speed, he might not be the ideal choice.
It’s not worth it to put Revis back there. The Jets have plenty of options; Clowney, B Smith, Cole, Woodhead, or Lowery. Use whichever one has the best hands
I’m with JR. No Revis, just anyone who can actually catch a punt and has enough sense not to try to catch a punt that’s south of the 10 yard-line.
anyone but revis
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woodhead
or better yet gholston so he would know whata tackle felt like since he doesn’t make them that often.
Darelle scares me back there , don’t want to chance it on a fluke hit
What JesusRevis said: the Clown or Brad Smith or Woodhead, whoever has the best hands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_Tgupb83Vc
This is my answer.
Give Woodwood a chance. Lets see what he can do.
@Harry – Very impressive Revis punt return, but I would not risk injury to him in that role. I like Cole in that spot. The kid has speed and seems to take off pretty quick. I say give him a shot.