Does Welker return punts next year?

[PatsFaninAZ]

Welker had nearly 75 percent of the punt returns last year.

Can he do that again this year? WR has gone from a position of depth to one with more concerns this year. I'd put Wes pretty darned high on the list of guys we absolutely cannot lose next year, and the way he throws his body around, having him return punts seems like a bad idea. This assumes no major moves at WR for the offseason, except through the draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

Welker had nearly 75 percent of the punt returns last year.

Can he do that again this year? WR has gone from a position of depth to one with more concerns this year. I'd put Wes pretty darned high on the list of guys we absolutely cannot lose next year, and the way he throws his body around, having him return punts seems like a bad idea. This assumes no major moves at WR for the offseason, except through the draft.

A lot will depend on what happens between now and camp. Greg Lewis, just acquired from the Eagles, has a punt return in each of the last 2 years. Faulk has returned punts for the Pats as well.

If the Pats pick up a young WR or CB in the draft, I'd expect that player to have experience returning punts and/or kicks.

 

[Homeland Defense]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I hope not. Welker is too valueable to the offense. I wouldn't mind seeing him out there in fair catch scenarios standing at his own 10 yard line.

 

[WhiskeyBreath]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

Slater had some fumbling problems but maybe he is a candidate.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

"Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?"

Yes

 

[Lampshade]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

Clearly Belichick isn't concerned about Welker (or Hobbs) getting injured on ST. A play is a play is a play.

 

[BadMoFo]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

For big play potential, Welker is still the best bet. Faulk is the best hands guy.

Please no talk of Greg Lewis returning kicks.

 

[KY Pats Fan]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I think Slater will step into that roll.

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

For big play potential, Welker is still the best bet. Faulk is the best hands guy.

Please no talk of Greg Lewis returning kicks.

Greg Lewis return kicks

 

[wistahpatsfan]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

Watch the draft. Pats might use a third or fourth-round pick to get a rocket for returns.
This team is nearly impossible to predict as far as what they'll do with personnel. Who woulda guessed Vrabel would be out or they wouldn't make an offer to Evans?

 

[patsfanofNC12]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

Hope they don't have him do it, but have a feeling they will put Wes back in the role

 

[DocE]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I'd like to see Welker off of punt return duty, but I am more concerned with Hobbs on kick return duty. The kick return usually provides opportunities for higher impact collisions than the punt return does. There seemed to be an update on Hobbs health status almost every game last year as he seemed to get knicked up quite often. I'd rather have Hobbs either as a starting CB or (better case) the nickel back and kick returner.

Welker and Hobbs both deserve a ton of prasie for the multiple roles they fill on the team. They are both extremely valuable and I'd prefer to limit there exposure on returns if possible.

I agree with Lampshade in that I think Belichick might view the situation differently. Coach might view every play equally and not believe ther is a problem with a starter on offense/defense also being a primary returner.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I'd like to see Welker off of punt return duty, but I am more concerned with Hobbs on kick return duty. The kick return usually provides opportunities for higher impact collisions than the punt return does. There seemed to be an update on Hobbs health status almost every game last year as he seemed to get knicked up quite often. I'd rather have Hobbs either as a starting CB or (better case) the nickel back and kick returner.

Welker and Hobbs both deserve a ton of prasie for the multiple roles they fill on the team. They are both extremely valuable and I'd prefer to limit there exposure on returns if possible.

I agree with Lampshade in that I think Belichick might view the situation differently. Coach might view every play equally and not believe ther is a problem with a starter on offense/defense also being a primary returner.

I feel the same way as you.

I know BB knows more than me, but it kills me everytime i see Hobbs, and Welker back there. Maybe Slater ( ) will learn to do more than run straight ahead, and he'll become a good return man. He certainly has the speed.

 

[muslimman]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I feel the same way as you.

I know BB knows more than me, but it kills me everytime i see Hobbs, and Welker back there. Maybe Slater ( ) will learn to do more than run straight ahead, and he'll become a good return man. He certainly has the speed.

Yea well he will have to catch the ball first. This is what I think of everytime i hear Slater and punt return in the same sentence...
NFL Video Galleries

 

[MetalBleachers]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

Hope they don't have him do it, but have a feeling they will put Wes back in the role

I agree on both counts. He'll probably end up in that role, but I'd love to see the Pats draft a 3rd or 4th receiver/full-time returner. Mike Wallace of Ole Miss comes to mind, as does Quinten Lawrence of McNeese State.

Mike Wallace*|*Mississippi,*WR*:*2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

Quinten Lawrence*|*McNeese State,*WR*:*2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

 

[patriotscpfc]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I say give Slater a go.

He can do it but obviously has to bounce back from the Pittsburgh incident.

He has a third gear that we haven't seen yet in a game, once he hits it, he's gone

(I hope)

 

[Mack Herron]

Re: Does Wes Return Punts Next Year?

I think they will make every effort to get Welker and Hobbs off return duty. Depends if anyone can step up in pre-season.