jrfarm4

Is Ellis Hobbs still the #1 ko return man for the Patriots? Wes Welker returned 2 ko's last week. Anyone have an idea?

PATRIOTSFANINPA

I think Hobbs is better as the return man and I wonder why Willie Andrews is not out there this year to help out at this?

NE39

Hobbs has been taking some chances returning kicks that are kicked deep. Because of his ability he has gotten away with it, like he did on that 108 yard return against the Jets.

However, against Cincy he took 4 kicks out of the endzone and he only reached the 15 and 21 on 2 of them. Then his first return against Cleveland last week wasn't a great one (an 18 yard return to the 20 where he looked like he danced a little instead of just taking what was there). After that Welker replaced him.

I think the coaches are just sending him a message to be smarter. The 108-yard return was great, but there is no shame in taking a touchback in a ball kicked deep, you don't have to bring everything out. Also, he can't show hesitancy looking to break the big one, he has to hit it up there and take what is available. Welker does that.

I just think they are sending a message. It wouldn't surprise me if he is back there this week.

PatsMan26

I think it is a combination of him taking it out all the time and him being the best corner on the team. They don't want him losing yardage and they certainly don't want him getting hurt. I would suspect that he will not be a full time kick returner for the rest of the year.

FrontSeven

That's my take: That's a lot of running.

scout

Getting to the 18 or the 15 is acceptable as long as your also getting some long runbacks. Your not going to get back to the 20 everytime he often breaks some nice runs. I have no problem with his risk/reward attempt.

Oswlek

I'm not sure that the team agrees with this sentiment. Maybe the 18, but there is a difference between the 15 and the 20. And Hobbs only has one KO return from the EZ that he brought beyond midfield all season.

Tha risk/reward is not very good at all.

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