Perhaps that applies to Holmes, but Cro would be going to the sidelines after a PR; plenty of time to rest. I just don't have confidence in Wilson's ability to make the best use of blocks and find seams, ya know? Using McKnight would be a nightmare. Westie won't be that desperate.
For anyone minimizing Leonhard's value/importance, then just take a minute to consider that when Rex came here from Baltimore, he took Leonhard with him; there's a reason for that, a big reason. Having said that, Rex has already proven several times (Jenkins, Pace, Revis, Strickland) that his D can still perform solidly in the absence of starters. Is Leonhard's absence more crucial since he quarterbacks the D? Probably. But I'm still siding with Rex's Defense's track-record when faced with injury.
Personally I wanna see McKnight taking punts back. No way in fucking hell should we be risking Cromartie or Holmes returning punts, I dont care how good this team is, our season ends the moment one of them gets hurt. McKnight had that one awesome return in preseason, and it sounds like hes learned quite a bit. I think its time for him to start earning his keep. Plus theres no way he can fumble the damn ball more than Green, and having him active might just get hima chance to get a few touches later this season (cough cough vs the Bills)
I had the same question. Who would you like to see try returning punts? (Please don't say Kyle Wilson.)
We beat those bitches last time with a gimpy Revis and no Holmes so,while it sucks that he got hurt,we'll beat em again with Smith taking over for JL. GOD bless ya Jimmy. Get well soon.
Our Offense better be ready to have an explosive game because NE is going to be puttin up the points.
That safety return was ugly. It's inexcusable to only make it to the 25 on a Safety Punt Return. He'll get there...just not now.
All we need is for whoever returns the punts to not put it on the ground any muffed punts could cost us bigtime!
This is a drag.All good teams deal with setbacks and injuries and this is a good team. I think the J-E-T-S will be fine.
Just heard about this....wow, what a fucking blow. The intangibles suck, calls the coverage, returns punts.. Just damn. Get well soon Jim.
This is not the worst thing in the world that could happen. Yes, it's not good, but.... I think there are two positives that come out of Leonhard's injury (which have been somewhat discussed): 1) Could see more big gains on punt returns. Leonhard is a fair catch machine, but I think he's been too conservative many times this year when he could've run for ten yards instead of calling it. Wilson needs a few more shots and I really do think he could do well there. Or there are a few other names mentioned (Cotchery, Holmes, etc) with big play capability. Provided there are no big snafus, it could be a plus. 2) Leonhard is an incredibly intelligent safety, but, I honestly don't think he has great speed. Smith is starting to come into his own as in Leonhard's style and I think the combination of him and someone else with more speed (Pool, etc) could develop into a great safety combination. If those two things happen, I actually think that the secondary and special teams could be as good, if not better. I'm not saying this injury is a good thing. It isn't, especially given the timing, but I think there are some silver linings here.
"I think there are two positives that come out of Leonhard's injury (which have been somewhat discussed):" Are you serious?
I'm completely serious. I'm looking for a silver lining, and I think it's there. I said earlier this year that I'd like to see someone else returning punts. As for the secondary, I admit it's a stretch, but I am hopeful that it will work out.
It's fine to look for a silver lining. But Smith starting is not ideal. I wish Iggy had coverage skills, he would be the starter.
