I do not understand this aspect of the game very well. How much is it the return man vs the scheme, vs the cast of blockers? That long list of returners, all pretty fast guys indicates its that GB problems in the past decade were more about scheme and the cast around the returner. Just wondering and would like to know from people who played or coached ST. And replacing various ST coordinators indicates also that the scheme and prep is big part of the problem more than not having a good returner.

I wonder why the lateral is not used more judiciously, cautiously. I know it is a big element of risk if it happens too late in the play, and there is a miscalculation due to panic. So much happens so quickly on that play. However, a carefully choreographed lateral with receiver near the sideline can reduce that risk of an overthrow. The huge advantage is that a few laterals, perhaps one every 3-4 games introduces a tactical advantage against the opposing coverage, having to divert at least one coverage man, and create a slight bit of hesitation for a few other coverage players, rather than just zero in on the returner. It only takes a split second, or one player to leave a slight gap, for the returner to find his seam. The lateral creates more tactical advantage than simply the potential on one play, which is usually pulled out of the hat on a desperation moment, when it is probably least effective because the coverage team is prepared for it. I'm thinking it is best to use 3-4 times throughout the season; to perfect it when it is lease expected, so to create the hesitation for the coverage unit.

There are a number of possible kick and punt return candidates on the 90. Personally, I’d prefer to let Rodgers concentrate on learning his role on O ideally.

If we are serious, we need this to be an open competition during camp, not just a best available on the roster approach. Hopefully we can identify a player who can provide depth on other legitimate phases and take the pounding while providing a legitimate return threat to prevent the short kicking tactics adopted by several teams last year.

Do not return punts. Do not return any kick you don’t have to.

The turnovers, penalties, and injuries far outweigh the big returns over the long haul. The return unit is the bottom of the roster and their mistakes will cost you games.

Catch the ball and put your offensive stars on the field. No turnovers, no penalties, no injuries.

7.8 is about average. I also see he only returned 9 punts last year as opposed from 33 as a sophomore.

I also see that this guy, Amari Rodgers, is one of the better receivers in ACC history. Let that soak in for a second, and then tell me why you'd risk injuring him for 7 yards on a punt return. This guy is absolutely a threat to score TDs as a recceiver; as a return guy, not as much.

Fair catch and put your offense on the field. Spend your energy preventing fake punts from working. (yeah, I remember 2014 and several other times). Don't give the bottom of your roster any more chances to lose the game for you than you have to.

The Packers management turning down MLF first choice as ST coach Rizzi due to money and then having him go to New Orleans on top of it was a big mistake. Then to compound the mistake they settled for uncle fester as Their special teams coach proved to be disastrous. Penny wise and pound foolish boys. That is all……

I have confidence in our new Special Teams Coordinator, Maurice Drayton. He has been a coach for a long time and has a reputation for being a good teacher. With a dad who was a Marine and now is a Minister and a mom who was a Teacher, he has the parents who taught him well. We should see a good blend of teaching, discipline, and an excellent role model in Maurice Drayton.

I see Rodgers as a good possibility as PR. Because he catches the ball. And I could see Stokes as KR because he has the speed. Both are rookies and that’s the role that many of them play in their first year. But what I really would like to see is improvement from the gunners and blockers. That where the new ST’s coach should focus. Drayton seems like a guy who can motivate, I want to see if he can coach these bottom of the roster players.

Secure the ball. Get what's blocked. I'm less concerned with finding a game-breaker on returns than I am about fielding coherent coverage units that tackle well.

With that in mind, I'm in favor of running more 4th and short plays (keeping field position in mind) and punting less, and going for 2 more and kicking PATs less. Stats on the success rates over the years on those plays are favorable.

A column a few years ago(forgot the author, possibly Bob McGinn) said the Packers are one of the teams that don't draft specifically for special teams players. They want multi-position athletes and special teams are reserved for young players hoping to stick at another position.

The better ST clubs do draft for specific talent on those teams. It's a matter of organizational priorities. It does make sense to have a player capable of doing offense or defense besides ST; however, when a player is drafted to concentrate on one specific job they likely will be better at it. It boils down to overall depth needed and what the salary cap might be.

The game is largely about field position. While kickoffs are rare, a punt return of 15-20 yards greatly increases the chance of scoring. A squad with a so-so offense benefits greatly from better field position.
It might happen this year if Rodgers doesn't show up.

You know special teams are truly special when you are ok or relieved when the returners just catch the ball and do nothing else.

STs are a big part of the game. If as a team you discount them, focus on ways to avoid returns, you won't practice them with an mindset to make solid, disciplined football plays that can flip the field. If the team and coaches do not demand excellence, why should the players?

And when your team plays an opponent that does focus on STs and demand discipline and accountability, you are presenting weaknesses to be exploited.

The Tampa KO return to midfield with less than 5 minutes left in the NFCCG flipped the field for a field goal. The lack of tackling was atrocious.