Ok. I started a similar thread a few times the past 2 years. Here I go again.
Where is it written in the rule book that just because a team goes to punt you are required to take your defense off the field and replace it with a punt return unit?????
Why do we still do it?
I stated before all the negative things that can happen during a punt return:
1. fake punt
2. fumbled punt
3. bad punt hits a blocker
4. holding or blocking in the back penalty backs us up 10 yards from point of catch
Plus how many punts are either not returned or returned for minimum gain?
The risk doesn't match the reward.
There is no bigger momentum swing in the game of football (other than a pick 6) then converting a fake punt. You saw it today. We were on our way and the next 5 minutes it became a little worrisome.
GT lined up to punt 9 times in this game.
1. bounced around (no return)
2. bad snap (safety)
3. bounced around (no return)
4. Fake Punt converted with a 26-3 lead
5. bounced around (no return) almost hit a blocker
6. fair catch (no return)
7. bounced around (no return) almost hit the returner
8. fair catch (no return)
9. fair catch (no return)
Not one single return yard. WHY DO WE SEND THEM OUT THERE?????? Keep your normal 10 man defense and one guy to fair catch it.
Let's pretend we are up 14 points. The other team scores with 3 minutes left in the game to make it a 7 point game. What does every coach in America do with their kickoff return team? They put in their hands team. You aren't sure if they will onsides kick it or not but you prepare for it. You don't care about return yards. You just want the ball. You don't put your regular return out there and tell the front line to "be ready for the onsides."
How is this any different? Why is it we put our return out there and tell them to just "watch out for the fake."
Makes no sense. WE were up 26-3. They couldn't stop us. All we need is the ball. No need for a return.
Where is it written in the rule book that just because a team goes to punt you are required to take your defense off the field and replace it with a punt return unit?????
Why do we still do it?
I stated before all the negative things that can happen during a punt return:
1. fake punt
2. fumbled punt
3. bad punt hits a blocker
4. holding or blocking in the back penalty backs us up 10 yards from point of catch
Plus how many punts are either not returned or returned for minimum gain?
The risk doesn't match the reward.
There is no bigger momentum swing in the game of football (other than a pick 6) then converting a fake punt. You saw it today. We were on our way and the next 5 minutes it became a little worrisome.
GT lined up to punt 9 times in this game.
1. bounced around (no return)
2. bad snap (safety)
3. bounced around (no return)
4. Fake Punt converted with a 26-3 lead
5. bounced around (no return) almost hit a blocker
6. fair catch (no return)
7. bounced around (no return) almost hit the returner
8. fair catch (no return)
9. fair catch (no return)
Not one single return yard. WHY DO WE SEND THEM OUT THERE?????? Keep your normal 10 man defense and one guy to fair catch it.
Let's pretend we are up 14 points. The other team scores with 3 minutes left in the game to make it a 7 point game. What does every coach in America do with their kickoff return team? They put in their hands team. You aren't sure if they will onsides kick it or not but you prepare for it. You don't care about return yards. You just want the ball. You don't put your regular return out there and tell the front line to "be ready for the onsides."
How is this any different? Why is it we put our return out there and tell them to just "watch out for the fake."
Makes no sense. WE were up 26-3. They couldn't stop us. All we need is the ball. No need for a return.
