Punt/Kickoff returns

[Skilly McRailnob]

I was disappointed with TJ's efforts last night. I assume it is too risky to throw Warrick back there...any other options?

[Kirkendall]

I was disappointed with TJ's efforts last night. I assume it is too risky to throw Warrick back there...any other options?

Well he only had two returns and four fair catches. I will say I was surprised at a couple of his fair catches... I think he's getting a little nervous on kicks that look a little high to avoid a collision or turnover -- which is fine, but doesn't help the team at all.

[kevnz]

I think it was a situation that it was a tight game the coachs told him to play it safe unless he was certain he could do something...He was probably a little too conservative but can you imagine him taking it running with it then turnining over? Most of the fair catchs in the second half were spot on, but the fair catchs he made early on were a bit....well he could have taken one or two, but hey he didn't need to press the issue and he can see downfield better than we can on TV so maybe he made the right decision? Who knows....All I know is that we won, he had a big catch, and none of the guys on ESPN can say his name....

I think ESPN should replace those guys with the two voice actors they use in the ESPN football video game

[Barbarian]

I was disappointed with TJ's efforts last night. I assume it is too risky to throw Warrick back there...any other options?

Oh man--f**k!!! I was about to start a thread on this subject.

Oh well, regardless of who brought it up, you HAVE TO bring this subject up if you were watching close enough.

I saw 2 things that red flagged Housh's returns:

1. Why fair catch a ball on the 10??? He had time to try to get some precious yards instead of sticking his team deep in their own territory!!! This one didn't piss me off as bad as.....

2. He let a ball drop on the 20-something yardline in his own territory, when there was clearly enough room to return this punt. Why not at least fair catch this one instead of letting it roll???

This is typical Bungles' Special Teams play.

Warrick COULDN'T BE ANY WORSE, COULD HE???

:player:

[Kirkendall]

Warrick and/or O'neal will return punts once the coaches believe either are healthy enough to take over the duty.

[HoosierCat]

I think it was a situation that it was a tight game the coachs told him to play it safe unless he was certain he could do something...He was probably a little too conservative but can you imagine him taking it running with it then turnining over?

Dead on. If I'm Marvin and my D is playing the way it was, I tell TJ to fair catch -- emphasis on catch -- let the O see if they can get anything going, and if not punt and try again three downs later.

All you have to do is look at Brightful's muff-filled performance to have an appreciation of the virtues on the Bengals' approach last night.

Frankly, my only real complaint re special teams last night was Graham's kickoffs. Shayne's getting better distance but they're all line drives. I watched him kick and at least once it looked like he was flailing around trying not to fall on his face after kicking the ball. His mechanics just still seem discombobulated on KOs.

Larson had a couple of liners, too, but he let some beauties loose also. Overall he outkicked Turk on the same number of punts. And coverage, except for that last return, was pretty tight.

kirk: "Warrick and/or O'neal will return punts once the coaches believe either are healthy enough to take over the duty. "

Gotta say I would hate to risk injury to either one on a return. Here's a question: can K-Wash return?

[Kirkendall]

Dead on. If I'm Marvin and my D is playing the way it was, I tell TJ to fair catch -- emphasis on catch -- let the O see if they can get anything going, and if not punt and try again three downs later.

Then why again is TJ returning kicks? If Marvin just wants to conserve and catch the ball it removes a key component of the game, one that we greatly benefited from against KC. If they are worried about TJ actually catching the ball -- everyone's worry -- then put someone back there they can trust.

However, I'm not going to slam TJ too much, I think he had the best catch of the game which helped continue the drive that led to the game-winning FG.

Gotta say I would hate to risk injury to either one on a return. Here's a question: can K-Wash return?

What about Ratliff? He's pretty quick, isn't he? Didn't he return kicks in college, at least limitedly? Where's our boy Chris when we need him?

[HoosierCat]

Dead on. If I'm Marvin and my D is playing the way it was, I tell TJ to fair catch -- emphasis on catch -- let the O see if they can get anything going, and if not punt and try again three downs later.

Then why again is TJ returning kicks? If Marvin just wants to conserve and catch the ball it removes a key component of the game, one that we greatly benefited from against KC. If they are worried about TJ actually catching the ball -- everyone's worry -- then put someone back there they can trust.

Well, I'm not sure we have anyone with surer hands . But in any event, TJ did fine. I don't think Lewis told him not to return punts, but I do think he emphasized how he wanted 0 mistakes, and that he'd rather have a fair catch on the 10 than a muff or fumbled return.

On that note, saw today that Miami cut Brightful Monday. Gee...wonder why...

[RedsFan75]

Bet they could pick up Derek Abney for almost nothing!

How bout Broussard, he did a great job on kick and punt returns in Pre-season, only question is who do you waive... TJ?

I thought some of the kicks could have been returned, and I agree with the one on the 20. at least fair catch that one...

I thought the rule of thumb was it it was around the 10 let it bounce into the end-zone, stay far away from the ball!

[Kirkendall]

I thought the rule of thumb was it it was around the 10 let it bounce into the end-zone, stay far away from the ball!

Close enough. It's put your feet on the ten and if it goes over your head then let it roll, otherwise catch it.

[TippCityRick]

Come on guys . . . being a little hard on TJ here I think. My seats are on the 50 but up pretty high. All I can say is when their punter didn't shank it (which he did at least 3 times), his punts had GREAT hangtime. Most of the time the middle three of their line was downfield staring at TJ as he caught it.

Unless you know you have room for a 10 yard return, the rule is to fair catch it. A few yards is not worth a possible fumble in a close game. Joisey is also right, you put your feet on the 10 - if it's over your head you let it go, if not you catch it.

TJ did fine. The fins have excellent special teams and showed it with excellent coverage. The Bengals are getting better, but the screw up on the late punt return will have heads rolling. I didn't have time to review it last night, but I'm guessing that a couple guys on the right side of our coverage unit guessed and floated inside. The fins road them inside and Brightful ran free up the side. The fins coverage unit stayed in their lanes and that's why TJ had to fair catch a lot.

And I also agree with other posters. When (and if) PW or DO are physically ready, I bet we'll see them get a chance or two back there. TJ brings good hands to the job, but his strength is not his ability to make people miss like PW. Don't know about DO's strengths, but from what we have been told they are numerous.

[turningpoint]

I watched Tj, on a return form the north endzone to the south endzone,( i was in the north endzone at the game), he did exactly what i would of done, he went left w faked out the 2 dbs, and then burst it back to the right outrunning several defenders and making 1 miss, it was easily a 24yd punt return that could of ended up being only a 5yd one. The entire game about when he was going to call fair catch or return it, every single time there were 4-6 dolphins hauling ass down the field with no black jersey's in front of him. You can't blame TJ. I blame the kick coverage and blocking schemes.