I've heard a number of folks gripe about Todman taking the role by default last season and, yes, he wasn't exactly "electric" to watch running it back.
But - he actually finished 7th in the NFL at KR average. Less than a yard away from Hester and Holliday.
Obviously - this is a position that will see plenty of competition in camp since rookies often get a crack at the return roles if their hands are steady enough. Nonetheless - having Todman as a spellback and KR is at the very least quality depth. Something we haven't seen much of in a long, long time.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player...KickReturn
Quote:I've heard a number of folks gripe about Todman taking the role by default last season and, yes, he wasn't exactly "electric" to watch running it back.
But - he actually finished 7th in the NFL at KR average. Less than a yard away from Hester and Holliday.
Obviously - this is a position that will see plenty of competition in camp since rookies often get a crack at the return roles if their hands are steady enough. Nonetheless - having Todman as a spellback and KR is at the very least quality depth. Something we haven't seen much of in a long, long time.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player...KickReturn
KR is a position of minor consequence anyway, and likely to be dissolved in the near future as the NFL continues to implement the basketball on grass plan.
Yeah, it's a position that has the potential to go away completely, or at the very least, diminished in such a way that you just need someone back there to play catch.
^^^
Thats basically what the position has devolved into. Shame, because it used to be one of the most exciting plays in the game on occasion.
Agreed with FBT. I wouldn't be surprised at all if teams stop carrying a KR specialist entirely to stash an extra skill position guy on the roster, then just have their punt return guy standing deep in the endzone to field the touchback.
It's a silly move if they do away with kick returns as it takes an element out of the game that can provide some serious entertainment. But, it's clear that in the modern NFL, anything that is deemed entertaining or fun must be crushed from the rules to maintain a puritan standard.
This isn't a valuable position. Having the intangible ability to return kicks and be productive could elevate a player's stock but yea the new NFL is going away from this and it is foolish to acquire players solely on KR.
Not to delve on the past too terribly much, but the presence of Todman kind of illustrates what I like about this new regime that Jacksonville has. Caldwell spent draft picks on weapons; Slot Receiver, Denard Robinson, athletic Safety, etc. In the past we've targeted Punters and even Return men.
What this says to me is that Bradwell have their eye on what the League is going to turn into, not what they think it is now. They are trying to adapt to the modern NFL instead of attempting to recreate the 70's. Why draft a guy to play a position that might touch the ball four times a game? Use a backup RB for that and save yourself a gameday 45 spot. It's a little thing I admit that, but it's an encouraging sign.
Quote:Not to delve on the past too terribly much, but the presence of Todman kind of illustrates what I like about this new regime that Jacksonville has. Caldwell spent draft picks on weapons; Slot Receiver, Denard Robinson, athletic Safety, etc. In the past we've targeted Punters and even Return men.
What this says to me is that Bradwell have their eye on what the League is going to turn into, not what they think it is now. They are trying to adapt to the modern NFL instead of attempting to recreate the 70's. Why draft a guy to play a position that might touch the ball four times a game? Use a backup RB for that and save yourself a gameday 45 spot. It's a little thing I admit that, but it's an encouraging sign.
Good post...
I'm surprised D rob hasn't returned more kicks/punts
Quote:I'm surprised D rob hasn't returned more kicks/punts
The guy couldn't catch a cold.
Quote:The guy couldn't catch a cold.
Typically I would flat out ignore your opinion after your Gabby love fest last year, but you're right..sorta forgot about that.
Quote:The guy couldn't catch a cold.
This.. Remember he started off back there in preseason. As a fan I want D Rob back there. He has to learn to catch first and once it's caught hold on to the football and he could be good back there. I know he's a beast for me on madden lol.
Quote:KR is a position of minor consequence anyway, and likely to be dissolved in the near future as the NFL continues to implement the basketball on grass plan.
Quote:Yeah, it's a position that has the potential to go away completely, or at the very least, diminished in such a way that you just need someone back there to play catch.
Quote:^^^
Thats basically what the position has devolved into. Shame, because it used to be one of the most exciting plays in the game on occasion.
LOL. I thought we had been around the block on the value of kick returners diminishing back when they changed the rules??
But thanks for reminding me, I guess?
The point of the thread was that Todman performed better at the spot than several regulars here seemed to think - judging from their posts in the RB threads when Gerhart was signed. I was surprised to see where he ranked and thought a few of you may be as well. That's all.
Quote:LOL. I thought we had been around the block on the value of kick returners diminishing back when they changed the rules??
But thanks for reminding me, I guess?
The point of the thread was that Todman performed better at the spot than several regulars here seemed to think - judging from their posts in the RB threads when Gerhart was signed. I was surprised to see where he ranked and thought a few of you may be as well. That's all.
Come on NYC, I rarely hijack threads and I was trying my hand out on this one. Throw a guy a bone.
Quote:Yeah, it's a position that has the potential to go away completely, or at the very least, diminished in such a way that you just need someone back there to play catch.
woah.. You and TMD agreed on something.. Awkward....
Manziel could return kicks
Quote:Come on NYC, I rarely hijack threads and I was trying my hand out on this one. Throw a guy a bone.
Your post was only kinda' stoopid in comparison to the ultra obvious.
Quote:Manziel could return kicks
Back up plan if he flops at QB?