McGag and Bowels really need to look into upgrading special teams. Not talking Folk, the guy is money. But we haven't had a legit solid return guy since Leon. I remember when we drafted Kyle Wilson coming out of Boise he was one of the top returners in the NCAA. Got to the pros and after a few fumbles, has barely made any returns. Can't remember the last time we popped a punt or KOR for a TD and our starting field position has been paltry. Leon often had us out at the 40. I recognize with the new rules KORs aren't' as important, but still we have no one scaring anyone back there or on punts. And I've never been a big fan of Quigley. I can't believe we can't upgrade the punter position. Defense looks to be solid, let's fix the special teams. _
Not sure that's something that would be done early in free agency, or before preseason stuff starts at all. Give it time and see what happens by Week 1.
Concur. I loved the Giants signing of Harris, I hope whomever we pick up later in the draft is someone with similar return ability. _
kick returns and defense have been legislated out of the game by the liberals so whats the point; next they'll kick off from midfield and if you kick it through the uprights the offense keeps the ball
Quigley needs to be replaced. When you don't have a great offense , the field position battle is crucial.
I agree that it needs to be fixed, but believe it will be in TC. Bellore was our best STs player I think (aside from Purdum) and he wasn't re-signed AFAIK.
Folked still under contract, and Purdum brought back. that's a good start. i'd like to see Bellore back too. i've got a feeling Owusu makes the team, and earns the kick returner role. although Goddell has essentially made kick returns unimportant, which sucks. Punter and Punt Returner has been lacking for some time. if we upgrade anywhere, it should be there. the rest of the units is about having quality young depth on team. Gunner and Jammer spots will be up for competition..
I'm not scared of any of today's kick returners. The rules that have neutered returns make it even less important. We still need a QB and to beef up our o-line. Maybe a LB or two.
Only 3 guys matter on ST's anymoere. The punter, the kicker and the long snapper. I'm surprised they even bother with KR and PR's anymore. No real reason to go too far out of our way. A better punter? Definetly. Other than that, might as well stand pat.
Punt returner is still important too.. need a guy you can trust back there to protect the football, and to make good decisions first and foremost. and if the guy is dangerous in space, it changes the way opponents will play it. ie, they'll often sacrifice punt yds just to ensure no big return. haven't seen that since the limited time Cribbs was here. Gunners are nice, but agree you can find them even if you don't have an ace. usually your backup Corners or WR's. hell even TJ Graham looked good out there in his opportunities this year. he might have another shot on the team if he can keep that level of ST play high..
IIRC the last time we had a return td was when Kerley returned a punt for 6 a couple years back Other than that we were really expecting Harvin to provide some kind of spark in that role but he never really got it going. I definitely think it has got to be a priority, but I dont think it is up there as high as something like defensive backfield was or wide receivers etc. It is more of that nice afterthought that if there is time will be addressed. I do think it should be considered integral to the teams success though, because there is nothing that can replicate the spark from a big return when your team is fighting tooth and nail
A replacement for Quigley should definitely be a priority. It should be hard to have long drives against this defense so controlling field position is a must.
Joe Mcknight and Brad Smith were our most recent best return guys.I think Mcknight was the last one to score a TD on Special Teams
