Did a search and couldnt find any threads about this so figured id ask. What do you think of the jets punt returning situation going forward? Being that were a team with an elite defense, that will likely be the best in the league for years to come it seems that an excellent punt returner should be a top priority to us. Cotchery really doesnt seem good at returning punts at all, and it seems stupid to risk one of our only 2 receivers getting injured doing something hes not good at to begin with. Is there anyone on this team you feel that could fill this role ? Or a free agent/player on tenders/trading for that you feel we should target ? Or looking to the draft at either getting a player who can fill a role + returning punts, or just drafting a player in the later rounds purely to fill this role ? I think this should be a top priority for us this offseason. Hell look what the Bears did when they had an elite defense + a punt returner while having an absolutely horrifically awful offense. Thoughts?
I'd really like to see Dwight "Swipe" Lowery get a chance to return punts. He's had success in the pre-season as a return man, and he was just a dirty returner at SJSU.
I think it'll be Jim Leonhard again. He did it in the beginning of the year, but had to stop after his injury, no reason why he wont do it again.
Leon wasn't the punt returner. He is an average, at best punt returner but an excellent kickoff man. And that's if he returns next season as his fate is not up to him.
Punt returning is more of an art form than a kick returning is. Kick returning you have blockers and a full field of vision and room to pick up your speed. Punt returners dont necessarily need to be speed demons. Moreso quick, and make good decisions. A good punt returner gives you good field position. Your not neccesarily looking for the homerun everytime, like you are on a kick return. Cotchery wasn't so bad, he didn't take any stupid chances and the guy can take a hit. Leonhard is pretty solid, I'd like to see him back there again.
I could have sworn he was our punt returner until he broke his leg. Anyway, yeah I agree he is average at best on punt returns and we probably should give someone else a shot at doing it. I thought Cotchery wasn't a very good return man when he was doing it and would have prefered to see Lowery out there instead.
Any CBs or WRs we could draft who could fill both roles ? I mean we could use another guy @ both positions and he wouldnt even have to start, if we could get someone in mid-late rounds (4th onward) that has the potential to groom into a starter, meanwhile doing punt return duties I could see that working out well. Plus I think with Cromartie being somewhat of a risk and this being such a pass heavy league, grabbing a fast good corner-back with special teams skills wouldnt be a bad idea.
Leonhard is a good, sure handed PR. His season of returning punts was cut short but I expect he'll be back and do a good job returning ounts next year.
Jim Leonhard was actually our punt returner until he got injured. Leon was just returning kicks due to his increased role on offense. Leonard is great back there for his hands, I did not worry once about a fumble. I'd like to see someone else though, like the Clown, and let him use his speed for once.
Jim Leonhard was the punt returner until he hurt his hand. Cotchery took over after that. Miller was brought in to try and stick as a kick returner. He screwed up and was shown the door. The guy has talent but doesn't get it.
