Kickoff returner

[patpatriot]

Who is going to do it? If we want a KR to be a real weapon there are only 3 logical choices:

o Maroney -- He was among the best in the league last year as I recall. The downside is more exposure to injury compounded by our uncertain RB depth.

o Hobbs -- He showed last year that he has got skills. The downside is the same as above though mitigated somewhat if Samuels comes back.

o Faulk -- In his younger years at least, he was among the best. The downsd is that an injury removes our best 3rd down weapon and our best RB depth.

o Welker -- Has been nothing but average in this part of the game.

So, the other choice is to play it safe and not look for a big splash from the KR game. That means that Willie Andrews has just found a new role... unspectacular but a safe bet to get a return out around the 25 yard line and not fumble.

Do the Pats risk injury to an important player in return for better field position or do they just go the safe route? I can't decide, can you?

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

I say andrews, or kelly washington if he makes the team.
Once Jackson get's on the field you could see him doing this as well to take advantage of his amazing speed untill he has worked with brady enough to get on the field.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Faulk and Andrews, then Jackson. Keep Maroney and Hobbs relatively fresh with their starting gigs.

and, lest we forget: Bam!

 

[DaBruinz]

I wouldn't say that Welker's been actually given a chance during a real game setting with the Top Special teamers on the field.

That being said, I am concerned about the punt return blocking. Its been horrendous and it hasn't mattered who was out there, they haven't gotten a lot of yards. I hope that Wright returns to that squad because he's a huge impact on it.

 

[37Harrison]

Troy Brown.

 

[mgteich]

Faulk and Welker should have primary return duties. I think Andrews and Morris can also take some of the load. You have identified the real issue: the blocking. We now have plenty of returners. I'd consider using Hobbs, only if Samuel were back. Maroney is simply too much of an injury risk.

It's been aweful.

I wouldn't say that Welker's been actually given a chance during a real game setting with the Top Special teamers on the field.

That being said, I am concerned about the punt return blocking. Its been horrendous and it hasn't mattered who was out there, they haven't gotten a lot of yards. I hope that Wright returns to that squad because he's a huge impact on it.

 

[zippo59]

I would like to use Hobbs but only if Samuel comes back. I would use Faulk as the other kick returner and Welker as the puunt returner. I would put Chad Jackson as a kick returner as well once he gets healthy. He did a good job with the few opportunities he got last year and it gives him a way to get involved in the game.

 

[Mainefan]

A word here for Bam Childress. I know we have enough WRs for a basketball team, plus subs, but this little guy continues to impress me. Something happens whenever he gets his hands on the ball. And I think he has the potential to break off something big on kickoff returns. Let's keep this fellow and give him some work.

As for Maroney or Hobbs, I'd rather we averaged a few yards less and kept them from harm's way. Andrews is another good possibility, given his versatility. I think he's worth a roster spot.

 

[CrazyDave]

Who was the other kid they had returning kicks?
#2 I think.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Who was the other kid they had returning kicks?
#2 I think.

CJ Jones, my man!

 

[fair catch fryar]

A word here for Bam Childress. I know we have enough WRs for a basketball team, plus subs, but this little guy continues to impress me. Something happens whenever he gets his hands on the ball. And I think he has the potential to break off something big on kickoff returns. Let's keep this fellow and give him some work.

As for Maroney or Hobbs, I'd rather we averaged a few yards less and kept them from harm's way. Andrews is another good possibility, given his versatility. I think he's worth a roster spot.

I'll 2nd that, he runs like someone held a lighter to his *****!

 

[patpatriot]

With essentially the same blocking they had last year, Maroney led the NFL in KR I believe; if not #1 (actually now that I think of it how could anyone else have been # 1 except Hester) then right up there. He consistently got the offence *great* field position. Hobbs was not far behind and each was at least a threat to take it to the house. All their potential replacements only range from competent to OK. It makes a big difference if the offence is starting from the 23 or the 33 (or maybe even the 43). Jump up on top of teams early and ride the defence? This is the way to do it. But the injury factor, the injury factor...