Return game

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Who's going to handle the PR/KR duties in the playoffs? I feel like Edelman has been the best returner of everyone left and still remember his PR TD in the preseason. And we all know BB isn't afraid to use his starters on special teams. I'd like to see Maroney on KR too, probably the most explosive option, with Edelman at PR.

 

[mgteich]

I expect to see Maroney and Slater returning kicks, with Faulk and Edelman returning punts.

 

[Sicilian]

I expect to see Maroney and Slater returning kicks, with Faulk and Edelman returning punts.

Seconded. No reason not to use Maroney now that Morris and Taylor are back, you don't need to worry about overusing him. Slater I'm still waiting for that light to go on (if it ever will) so he'll stop running straight into the first defender he sees.

Faulk is as dependable as anyone, and Edelman has showed some promise. My guess, Edelman when the opponent is punting from deep in their own end (better chance of a return), and Faulk when they're closer to our end (veteran hands/brain for fair catch decisions).

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

BUTLER!!!!!

The return game has been awful all year (we miss Ellis!) Thhe Pats might as well fair catch everything or just take a knee becuase they never seem to make it past the twenty anyways.

Butler showed his speed on Sunday, why not give him a crack at it.

 

[pats1]

I would like to see Butler at KR, but it'll probably be Slater/Maroney, with Edelman at PR. Hopefully Tate will be healthy for next season, because they'll need him.

 

[PatsChamp88]

I would like to see Butler at KR, but it'll probably be Slater/Maroney, with Edelman at PR. Hopefully Tate will be healthy for next season, because they'll need him.

Having Edelman on PR and Tate on KR going into next season would be awesome definitely hope Tate gets healthy!

 

[NovaScotiaPatsFan]

While I've wanted to see Edelman be the guy all year, but now that he's gonna have a huge microscope on him come Sunday I dunno if I'd wanna add that to his load.

On the other hand it might be good for him to have something familliar as an anchor.

 

[miDeuce]

How Slater hasn't killed himself returning kicks I'll never know. He always gets himself laid out, and thus fires up the other team. So annoying. He has the vision of Mr. Magoo in a snow storm.

 

[Mack Herron]

How Slater hasn't killed himself returning kicks I'll never know. He always gets himself laid out, and thus fires up the other team. So annoying. He has the vision of Mr. Magoo in a snow storm.

Heh heh. Well said. He is fearless and hangs onto the ball, but I've never seen anyone get blown up more often. That vision problem may not bode well for his ability to read defenses as a WR. Butler has also shown little. I would use Maroney on KR and save Edleman for PR/WR. It would be a mistake to put Edelman back there given the cliff behind him on the depth chart.

 

[mgteich]

There is no reason to believe tha Edelman ot Tate will be awesome. Edelman has not shown much as a returner. Tate has his second serious injury in two years.

Having Edelman on PR and Tate on KR going into next season would be awesome definitely hope Tate gets healthy!

 

[Betterthanmost]

I really hate wide receivers returning punts, kick offs whatever. I hated it when Welker was asked to do it. They take too much hits and the wear and tear will take its toll sooner or later.

 

[mgteich]

I suppose Troy Brown's returning punts shortned his time in the NFL. Too bad, we could use a eceiver right about now.

I really hate wide receivers returning punts, kick offs whatever. I hated it when Welker was asked to do it. They take too much hits and the wear and tear will take its toll sooner or later.

 

[woolster22]

I say throw Florence Mafumble to the kick return wolves and certainly dont let him touch the ball in the redzone.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Did Butler return kicks in college?

Would've been nice to have Tate right about now for both WR/KR

 

[Betterthanmost]

I suppose Troy Brown's returning punts shortned his time in the NFL. Too bad, we could use a eceiver right about now.

Brown case is very different, he was not used heavily like Welker has been used for the past 4 years until this decade. He was drafted in the early 90s waived and resigned and what not. He really started seeing heavy loads when Bill took over.
Physically I can say Brown is stronger than Welker-fact. Don't ask me to explain

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Brown case is very different, he was not used heavily like Welker has been used for the past 4 years until this decade. He was drafted in the early 90s waived and resigned and what not. He really started seeing heavy loads when Bill took over.
Physically I can say Brown is stronger than Welker-fact. Don't ask me to explain

You make valid points but BB's beliefs are clearly to put your best men in each role regardless of how much he's been used. I used to think he was crazy having guys like Ty Law/Lawyer Milloy on the punt teams but in 2001 who knows if we win a title without our Special Teams. I think for regular season I can see sparing the WR/RB's but for playoff time you gotta take the chance IMO.

 

[chevss454]

How Slater hasn't killed himself returning kicks I'll never know. He always gets himself laid out, and thus fires up the other team. So annoying. He has the vision of Mr. Magoo in a snow storm.

Too, too funny!

Josh Cribbs anyone? Sounds like he will be available

:biggrin2:

 

[N.Eman]

BUTLER!!!!!

The return game has been awful all year (we miss Ellis!) Thhe Pats might as well fair catch everything or just take a knee becuase they never seem to make it past the twenty anyways.

Butler showed his speed on Sunday, why not give him a crack at it.

I agree, butler has better awareness finding that edge past defenders and not running into them. Probably wont see it happen since he's a rookie, but maybe thats what Coach is testing at practice, perhaps see it on Sunday.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Did Butler return kicks in college?

Would've been nice to have Tate right about now for both WR/KR

Yes. In the 08 season he returned 20 kicks for 471 yds.

 

[patriotscpfc]

I say throw Florence Mafumble to the kick return wolves and certainly dont let him touch the ball in the redzone.

Better not let Fred Taylor return them. He'll be giving away TDs all day long in his own endzone