Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I'm tired of seeing Antwaan Randle-El doing a two-step every time he runs a punt return. The good punt returners, catch the ball and go straight up field and attack the on coming defenders. By running straight up field, they force the defenders to have to break down and prepare to make a tackle in either direction. When Randle-El does his two-step, the defender can go right at him and take him down. He is not making anyone miss and gaining very few yards after he fields the punt. Deangelo Hall was a very good punt returner for the Atlanta Falcons. I know he wants to make an impression on this team. What do you guys think about having him field some punts? Santana Moss showed that there are big plays to be made in the punt return. I don't like Moss back there because it increases his chances of getting injured and the Skins cannot afford to lose their best receiver.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I don't know. The way it's been with Springs they can't afford to lose another corner either.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

i say devin thomas honestly.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I don't recall the Skins giving Devin Thomas a chance to run back punts in preseason. They tried Mason and Tryon, I don't remember Thomas getting a chance. I know he did it in college. I wouldn't be opposed to Thomas, I'm kinda frustrated with Randle-El.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=Meks;502108]i say devin thomas honestly.[/quote]

Didn't we see Thomas try a few in preason with very poor results. I checked the stat's and El averages 8.5 and Hall is around 9.5 so I'm not to sure how much of a difference it would make. It does seem that El dances around a little too much.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Honestly may not matter who we put back there

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

doesn't really matter. if they don't block, he cant return

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

see Santana Moss v Detroit 2008...

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I wish I truly understood what is so remarkably different about punt returning and kick returning that Rock couldn't do both.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

As a punt returner you don't have the time that you do as a kick returner before the defenders are all over you, and the ball comes in at a different trajectory. I think a punt returner needs to be more elusive than a kick returner. And for the millionth time Devin Thomas did not return punts in college or in the preseason.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

^ he did return punts in college, just not full time.

and Moss cannot do it full-time either... it's too risky and will wear him down also

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=Meks;502121]^ he did return punts in college, just not full time.

and Moss cannot do it full-time either... it's too risky and will wear him down also[/quote]

You're right, he had 8 punt returns in college.

[url=http://msuspartans.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/msu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/ThomasCareer]Michigan State University Official Athletic Site[/url]

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Anything would be an upgrade over ARE. He doesnt return punts well and isnt much of a WR. Now that I think of it, it seems that he doesnt do much of anything well except shuck & jive after one of his rare catches.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

In general the blocking on the Redskins special teams is pretty good. Seams are opening up and it takes Randle-El too long to get there. If he would quit dancing around and hit it up in there, he would be more effective. I'm not expecting a return for touchdown everytime, but maximize the returns. An extra 10 for 15 yards can mean the difference between the team having to punt after their three and outs or attempt a long field goal after three and out. :)

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Why can't Rock handle kickoff and punt returns?

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=redskin37;502134]Why can't Rock handle kickoff and punt returns?[/quote]

Same question I had in post #9, see post #10 for the answer

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I would imagine that Rock isn't returning punts because his burst of speed isn't within his first 3 or 4 steps when he's returning kickoffs. He needs those precious steps to get up to speed, where he has much more time to react. While I'm not adverse to him trying to return punts, it's a horse of a different color.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=irish;502128]Anything would be an upgrade over ARE. He doesnt return punts well and isnt much of a WR. Now that I think of it, it seems that he doesnt do much of anything well except shuck & jive after one of his rare catches.[/quote]


I agree that there's probably a better option at punt returner, but how do you figure that he's not much of a wide receiver? What kind of numbers are you expecting from him? He's got 37 catches, which is more than Plaxico Burress, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Bernard Berrian to name a few. He's a #2 receiver that's on pace for close to 60 catches, he's a solid route runner, and he's generally pretty sure handed. He's a fine option as a second receiver, and he's a damn good utility football player.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=Southpaw;502142]I agree that there's probably a better option at punt returner, but how do you figure that he's not much of a wide receiver? What kind of numbers are you expecting from him? He's got 37 catches, which is more than Plaxico Burress, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Bernard Berrian to name a few. He's a #2 receiver that's on pace for close to 60 catches, he's a solid route runner, and he's generally pretty sure handed. He's a fine option as a second receiver, and he's a damn good utility football player.[/quote]

Good post. ARE has played very well in this offense. When JC has time, he often hits ARE for the long crossing route.

Also, he DID have a pass play on a reverse, but it broke down and he threw it away. Zorn is clearly trying to use that option in key moments.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I still say Thrash, safe and runs North-South

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Did anyone see Leodis McKelvin's return last night for the Bills? Granted it was a kickoff not a punt, but a DB with blazing speed and a knack for big returns (I.E. D'angelo Hall) could provide a much needed spark. ARE has a bad ankle now, and has been totally ineffective in the return game when healthy. Throw Hall back there. Can't hurt to try.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

I agree Hall should be returning punts. So what if he gets hurt?

With that said, the biggest adjustments have to do with the fact that we do an unbelievably piss poor job setting up the punt return. We don't block ANYONE, and often still get called for holding. We use defensive starters like Rogers and Landry and that doesn't help.

This, of course, is something that every other team in the NFL can do with some consistency, and a big reason that we've gone from top ten to bottom five in special teams in only one year.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

El is around the average when you look at him and other with more than 20 or more returns this year. He is about 5 yards shorter then the best on that list that have over 20 or more so he is not the big issues right now on this team. Rock might have a hard time catching punts.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=firstdown;502157]El is around the average when you look at him and other with more than 20 or more returns this year. He is about 5 yards shorter then the best on that list that have over 20 or more so he is not the big issues right now on this team. [B]Rock might have a hard time catching punts.[/B][/quote]
That would be my biggest fear too. I'd rather let Tryon do it so he could at least earn some money (is he even normally activated or would they have to tell someone else not to dress if he became the PR?)

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;502165]That would be my biggest fear too. I'd rather let Tryon do it so he could at least earn some money (is he even normally activated or would they have to tell someone else not to dress if he became the PR?)[/quote]Every game Springs has missed this year, Tryon has been active for.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

When was the last time El broke one for us? I only remember that one against the Colts in 2006. You can trot out his averages all you want but he is not a credible threat to take one to the house. He is not really anything more than adequate.

As for Hall, he is explosive, and given that he wasn't on the team last week I don't know how he can now be so important to us that he can't risk injury.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=djnemo65;502173]When was the last time El broke one for us? I only remember that one against the Colts in 2006. You can trot out his averages all you want but he is not a credible threat to take one to the house. He is not really anything more than adequate.

As for Hall, he is explosive, and given that he wasn't on the team last week I don't know how he can now be so important to us that he can't risk injury.[/quote]That's AREs only PR TD as a Redskin. He has 6 in his career, but he's 28 years old now, I believe.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=GTripp0012;502175]That's AREs only PR TD as a Redskin. He has 6 in his career, but he's [B]28 [/B]years old now, I believe.[/quote]

29 but close enough for warpath work.

ARE does to much shake and bake, east and west trying to make something there that isn't.

It would be nice to see him hit it straight up the pipe, the results couldn't be any worse. I have never been pleased with ARE's overall production in this role since we signed him.

Good #2/3 WR and can pull of a trick play as in his old QB fashion days (Throws a nice ball). Great team leader and all the things you expect out of a class act as ARE is. But when you see Moss get a shot just here and there and next thing you know he's in the endzone, it's night and day comparison. Thats also a dual edge blade. I cringe when a see our true #1 wideout back there with a big bullseye on his chest returning punts.

I say give Hall a shot once he's comfortable in the role.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

We need Brian Mitchell to get out there and show Rock how to return punts. Antwaan Randle Fell is just absolutely horrid. Rock Cartwright should be our returner.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=LOGAN;502190]We need Brian Mitchell to get out there and show Rock how to return punts. Antwaan Randle Fell is just absolutely horrid. Rock Cartwright should be our returner.[/quote]

Without agreeing with you completely, let me just say that Antwan Randle Fell is freaking hilarious. Did you make that up? I haven't heard it.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Let Thrash run them. I love ARE but the East/West running aint working. He also does not want to hurt himself which I get. He sees himself as a receiver first.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Never really thought of Thrash before but it seems like a pretty good choice. Still, Hall would be more explosive. Either of these guys should replace El.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Why not try Hall? What's the worst that can happen? He fumbles one - like ARE did earlier this season.

ARE is average on PR. Perhaps Hall could do better than that and help our ST.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=TheSmurfs22;502198]Let Thrash run them. I love ARE but the East/West running aint working. He also does not want to hurt himself which I get. He sees himself as a receiver first.[/quote]

I brought up Thrash a month ago when we first started talking about this. He's done it before and does a pretty good job. He's more expendable than El, so why have'nt they done it? It makes to much sense and El wants to do punt returns.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

put shaun on PR's since he doesnt contribute to the running game...

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

If ARE breaks one or two, you'll all be kissing his dancing shoes. :D

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=horny4zorny-nohomo;502388]put shaun on PR's since he doesnt contribute to the running game...[/quote]

That would be funny seeing Shaun Alexander attempt to run back punts. I'd betcha, the Skins would lead the league in fair catches if Alexander, aka the Tip Toe Burglar, was back there.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[quote=53Fan;502349]I brought up Thrash a month ago when we first started talking about this. He's done it before and does a pretty good job. He's more expendable than El, so why have'nt they done it? It makes to much sense and El wants to do punt returns.[/quote]

Thrash isn't a bad idea at all. At least he can run in a straight line. He's not a threat to rip one for a TD, but he's not gonna fart around with all the dancing crap either.

I'd still like to see Hall give it a shot.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

Every time I think about Hall returning punts, a picture flashes in my mind of him fumbling a punt in the state championship game and the other team scoring and costing us the championship. Thats probably been 7-8 years ago but it still pops into my mind. He definetly has the speed and he can take it all the way.

Re: Deangelo Hall For Punt Returner!
 

[QUOTE=djnemo65;502173]When was the last time El broke one for us? I only remember that one against the Colts in 2006. You can trot out his averages all you want but he is not a credible threat to take one to the house. He is not really anything more than adequate.

As for Hall, he is explosive, and given that he wasn't on the team last week [B]I don't know how he can now be so important to us that he can't risk injury.[/[/B]QUOTE]


I was going to say that he (Hall) can actually catch the ball and make the pick...but then I remember our team can't do squat with those types of opportunities, so we might as well have him return punts.