Ratliff on Special Teams

[BULLDOG28]

I would like to see the Bengals try some different players on Punt Returns. Ratliff is definately sure-handed but his penchant for calling so many fair catches and 4 yard average are returns do nothing to intimidate opposing teams or give us better field position. I think that Deltha O'Neal, who was a Pro-Bowl returner would be a nice alternative, as would T.J. who has shown some ability in the past on returns as well.

[Stripes]

I wouldn't want a starter, such as O'Neal or Housh, being our punt returner. Special teams injuries are all too frequent. Ratliff has done very little this year returning punts, but I'd like to see him keep getting opportunities. He was excellent last year, and I think given time he'll find his step again and produce some better returns.

[Kazkal]

he probbley doesn't wanna get hurt is why hes calling fair catches

[HairOnFire]

Put me in the camp that hates the idea of using starters in a special teams return role. Then again, I think Ratliff plays so many snaps and has become so important within the base defensive scheme that it can be argued that he's become a defacto starter.

Frankly, we wouldn't be having this conversation if Ratliff was as effective in the punt return role as he was last season. This season he simply doesn't look like the same decisive player. On most returns he now starts with a sideways cut instead of simply beaking it directly up the field. Worse, it's become a common sight for Ratliff to break towards the sidelines only to immediately reverse directions within a few steps...usually into the coverage he was initially trying to avoid. And ignoring the increased tendency to fair catch the ball my greatest complaint are the number of times he's fair caught the ball within the Bengals own 10 yard line.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I'd love to see Tab Perry return the punts.

[kingwilly]

I second the T. Perry idea. I also vote for T. Perry to get back for dime coverage situations.

[HairOnFire]

Despite my complaints I'm sort of cool to the idea of changing punt returners. Ratliff never seems to mishandle a ball and we know what he's capable of when he plays aggressively. So coach him up and see if you can't get him to be more decisive on the returns he chooses to make while eliminating the mental errors associated with fair catching a punt when inside of your own 10 yard line.

[NYBengalfan]

I think that Ratliff is doing a great job.

He is putting the ball in the offenses hands. Remember P-Dubs occasional fumbles, at the worst times, he has not fumbled one ball yet.

Remember Warricks fumble at BAL in 2003 when we were 7-5, in the 1st QTR. We were up 3-0 and we just stuffed Baltimore on 3rd and short. They punt and Warrick fumbles on our own 30 yd line. Baltimore scored a few plays later and were up 7-3 and changed the whole complection of the game.

Dont get me wrong, I loved P-Dub when he was a Bengal, but he had the occasional error that would hurt us.

We dont need a great punt returner with our great offense, just get them the ball.

WHO DEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bengalindian]

I agree with Hair. This year he seems much more bound to fair catches and running east-west instead of heading upfield. I wouldn't be against trying Tab Perry out there, but then again, Kiewan hasn't exactly disappointed and fumbled away the ball on crucial possessions. He's always been able to keep the ball for the Bengals and let Carson and Co. go out and do there thing.

[Stripes]

Against Baltimore specifically, I think Keiwan looked more like his 2004 self. He was more decisive and was making cuts that actually led to a gain of yardage. If he can keep that up, then he will break a couple longer returns, and I think he is capable of doing that consistently.

[bengalindian]

Special teams has been very consistent this year, and very under the radar. I think to get over that hump and beat a good team, the Bengals need to have a big special teams play, whether it be a TD return, or a fumble recovery. They need to stop relying on their defense to make all the big plays.

[ArmyBengal]

I have been irritated by Ratliff's inability to turn it upfield and the fair catches kill me. I will say I love the fact he doesn't fumble, so I'll take the good with the bad. Tab Perry would be an option in my mind as well, but that doesn't count for s**t... Has anyone caught a punted ball before ?? Does it travel differently than a ball that has been kicked off ?? I seem to remember someone talking about this before... Anyway, Boller still sucks !!!

WHODEY !!!

[HairOnFire]

Tab Perry would be an option in my mind as well, but that doesn't count for s**t... Has anyone caught a punted ball before ?? Does it travel differently than a ball that has been kicked off ?? I seem to remember someone talking about this before...

Due to my larger than average size....and my total stiffness as an athlete...I've never returned anything but empty bottles and holiday sweaters that don't fit. So take the following with a grain of salt.

The most important consideration on most kickoffs is length. The ball usually turns end over end but normally travels in a straight line. But on punts the biggest consideration on most attempts is how high the ball is kicked and the resulting hangtime. As a result when a punted ball reaches its highest point it loses its energy and the kick is said to "turn over". The ball can then fall like a knuckleball or a pass whose spiral has fallen apart....resulting in a harder to track kick that often ends up landing far from where it first seemed likely.

[Spain]

All Valid points, However Id like to chime in with a thought! How about Chris Perry Running those bad boys back. He seems a natural and I bet he would return some!!!!

[membengal]

And Landon Johnson! Him too! After we move him to SS, let's have him return punts!

And Stacey Andrews! Let's make him a punt returner too! And Matthias Askew! And the guy who is getting probation for running on the field in the Packers game!

And HaironFire! Let's make him a punt returner! And joisey!

[bengalindian]

What about Pdub? They should re-sign him.

[HairOnFire]

What about Pdub? They should re-sign him.

The Seahawks will never let P-Dub go. After all, he caught another 7 yard pass yesterday.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I don't think, at this point, you put someone back there who has never returned punts before. The Bengals are dead last or near last in the league in PR's.

Ratliff returned punts in college, is sure-handed, and is only interested in hoping for a lucky crease to bust one instead of taking an extra 5 yards per return when there's nothing there, nor does he seem to break tackles.

This is probably something best addressed in the off-season unless Ratliff starts making bad decisions and fumbling imo.

[membengal]

I don't think, at this point, you put someone back there who has never returned punts before.

Huzzah!

ShulaSteakhouse makes so much sense that HE must be the new punt returner!

At this point, is the ball going to get caught? Will it not be muffed? Will a few yards be gained without a fumble? Fine. I will take that. On this team, with this offense, at this time of the year, I will take that.

[HairOnFire]

I don't think, at this point, you put someone back there who has never returned punts before.

Huzzah!

ShulaSteakhouse makes so much sense that HE must be the new punt returner!

At this point, is the ball going to get caught? Will it not be muffed? Will a few yards be gained without a fumble? Fine. I will take that. On this team, with this offense, at this time of the year, I will take that.

Damn, how come I didn't get a huzzah? Didn't I say I was cool to the idea of changing returners? Didn't I say keep Ratliff back there and try to get him to be as decisive as he was last season? And yet I get no huzzah.

BTW, I'm not going to start a new thread just to ask a single question, but wasn't today the date that a decision had to be made on Webster and Wilkerson?

[membengal]

BTW, I'm not going to start a new thread just to ask a single question, but wasn't today the date that a decision had to be made on Webster and Wilkerson?

Huzzah!

Remarkable restraint at not starting a thread the instant a thought forms in your head! I bow down to the clarity and simplicity of your teachings. I may call you "rabbi" and start following you around now. Perhaps the wisdom of your restraint will be passed on to others. I would like to be there when this religion begins to take root.

And, on your question, I don't know, but I think so. Perhaps tomorrow? This week at any rate.

[walshfan]

Marvin.."Kiewan try and get some yards but first and foremost DONT drop the damn ball ok?"

Kiewan.." Gotcha coach.. My main concern will be to catch the ball and not fumble."

Marvin.."Then all will be well my son."

[membengal]

BTW, I'm not going to start a new thread just to ask a single question, but wasn't today the date that a decision had to be made on Webster and Wilkerson?

Well done hof. Just a bump to note your prescience.

[HairOnFire]

BTW, I'm not going to start a new thread just to ask a single question, but wasn't today the date that a decision had to be made on Webster and Wilkerson?

Well done hof. Just a bump to note your prescience.

Huzzah!

Frankly, I get the feeling that most Bengal fans didn't care very much, but I was burning my computer up yesterday looking for news about Webster and Wilkerson. I must have jumped online a half dozen times looking for info, but found nothing. Pretty frustrating, but in the end the news was what I wanted to hear.