ok, wtf. i can understand trying to avoid a big return for a TD, but the odds of that happening are what, 1 in 20? squibbing and sky kicking pretty much guarantee the starting spot at at least the 35 yard line, usually more like the 40-45. i really can't see the justification behind it

11/25/2007 2:11:49 PM

get the ball in the hands of somebody not prepared to have the ball and you can have a better chance of forcing a fumble

11/25/2007 2:13:06 PM

to have a chance at getting the ball back in a hurry?

11/25/2007 2:13:06 PM

yeah but i've seen enough of these where fumbles aren't exactly commonplace. i still think the reward isn't worth the risk of giving up guaranteed field position......unless of course you're playing the panthers, because you know they won't score

11/25/2007 2:23:30 PM

http://www.nfl.com/players/devinhester/careerstats?id=HES267217

There is one reason Last year he had a 1 in 10 chance to run kickoffs back for a touchdown.

And don't forget about momentum, breaking off a good return can get your team and the crowd pumped up fast. If you just catch it at the 35 and get creamed by the coverage/fair catch it you don't get that. So, if you know the other teams' returner has a good chance of doing just that you don't want to give him any chance to take off with the ball.

11/25/2007 2:30:36 PM