Returns across the league

to me, same as it ever was: blocking and tackling and busting a seam.

I think part of it might be focus on the coverage units. If you see the first 2 or 3 kickoffs go in the endzone for touchbacks there might be a tendency to let up a little bit on the ensuing kickoff, leading to the big return.

Not sure about the Charges letting Harvin take one back on the opening kickoff of the season, though. You would think they'd be fired up for that one!

I was thinking the same thing, Cheezers. I'm sure cutting down on the running start time has also hurt coverage teams.

That, or a league-wide conspiracy to prove that the new rule aint so bad.

Could it be that a lot of teams were used to kickoffs through the endzone in the pre-season and haven't practiced tackling on Special Teams?

Bears pre-season game, they were purposely kicking off from the 30 until the head of officials told them to knock it off & had them kickoff from the 35. Lovie's reason was "Our kicker can kick it through the endzone on every play. We need practice on kick coverage."

I think it was just a freaky weekend and by the end of the season there will be less this year than last because of the kickoffs being moved up. But, I'm guessing Ted Ginn, Jr. probably gets special teams player of the week for his returns.

quote:

Originally posted by Tdog:
to me, same as it ever was: blocking and tackling and busting a seam.

Did someone mention talking heads?

quote:

Originally posted by Boris:
Could it be that a lot of teams were used to kickoffs through the endzone in the pre-season and haven't practiced tackling on Special Teams?

Not sure about this. I did not see a lot of PS games but those that I did see most teams/returners where like the Packers and taking everything they could out of the EZ. I think it is 2 factors: 1) the lack of a running start, and 2) shortened camp time due to the lockout and fundamentals are lacking. Most STs are made up of backups and many are 1st/2nd year guys - they needed the OTA work for fundamentals.

quote:

Originally posted by Boris:
Could it be that a lot of teams were used to kickoffs through the endzone in the pre-season and haven't practiced tackling on Special Teams?

Is there a different technique?

Anyway, and sorry if this has already been repeated, I think it pretty much is all about the kickoff team only getting a five yard running start.

Like i figured, this rule change was totally overblown by the media. This was a great example of actual rule not being the issue, but the fact that a change even occurred. I personally think it adds more strategy, where a returner has to make a more difficult decision of kneeling or bringing it out. And the kicking team can decide to boot it out of the endzone, or try to loft it up at the goalline in an attempt to pin them deep.

Overall, the kickoff rule change did not affect my excitement and enjoyment of NFL football. I doubt it affected most fans either.

Could be that during preseason the coverage guys mostly guys trying to make the team. After they have all been cut, the first time the real guys do it together is in Week 1 of the NFL season.

I have to wonder how much of it might be the guys seeing how far back in the end zone the ball is and letting up a step or two or for a second, with the returner ending up taking advantage of that.

quote:

Originally posted by Boris:
Lovie's reason was "Our kicker can kick it through the end zone on every play. We need practice on kick coverage."

Lovie is a dufus. Just because the Kicker CAN kick the ball out of the end zone doesn't mean the Kicker HAS TO kick the ball out of the end zone.

This may be a good thread to bring up a point I've been noticing so far this year:
To me, it looks like a lot of KO return guys are fielding kicks dangerously close to the back end zone line. From the angles I've seen, I'd guess within a yard--no more that 2 yards--of it.
Wouldn't it be a safety if they were to step on the line while/after fielding a KO? While I'm at it, what are the rule(s) regarding a returner muffing a catch and it hits him, then goes OOB? Would that be a touchback? Same thing if he fields a kick and then fumbles it OOB? Either on the side or the back line?

I don't think it's a safety since the ball is not in play until they bring it out... or at the least show the intent of bringing it out.

errata: There were 3 punts returned- I forgot the cardinal's game winner along with Sproles and Ginn.

I think the results are just statistics. A couple of weeks with no returns and the average is right back to around 2/week.

I do wonder if the kickers are out kicking the coverage though. Hitting it long but not high and giving the returner an extra second to survey the field and make a choice.

Lack of OTA's and abbreviated practice schedules. Something had to suffer.

@AdamSchefter
NFL teams passed for 7,842 net yards and returned 8 kicks and punts for TDs. Both represent the most in any week in NFL history, via Elias.

Nobody tackles anymore.

Safety first!

If you don't tackle, you won't get hurt