The Importance of Randle El: Punt Returns

[Big C]

he is averaging 11.6 yards per return this year on punts. that is huge, it is changing field position for us big time. last year we averaged 6 ypr and the year before 7.9. say waht u will but he is worth the money we have paid, his ability to pass drew a huge pass interference today, and his punt returns have put us in much better position. he is a threat to take it home every return

[Pocket$ $traight]

He gives a totally different feel to our punt return team. I almost think that the punt returns alone were worth the 30 mill.

[dmek25]

he is a playmaker. the skins need to get him more involved in the offense. that pass he threw must have went 60 yards in the air. and i love the enthusiasm

[FRPLG]

Our special teams this year have been great. Outside of our just average kicking game. Frost has been light yearas better than last year and in certain games has looked pro bowlesque and our return teams are phenominal. They are a big reason behind our 3 wins.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

Our special teams this year have been great. Outside of our just average kicking game. Frost has been light yearas better than last year and in certain games has looked pro bowlesque and our return teams are phenominal. They are a big reason behind our 3 wins.

Speaking of special teams, Rocky is a freakin' BEAST on coverage.

[Hog1]

A feeling of anticipation has replaced the DREAD I felt last year while waiting for the return! He is a GREAT pickup

[MTK]

Another small but critical thing that has been great with him on punt returns is he knows when to field it and when to let it go.

Remember Brown on returns last year?

Every return was a potential nightmare, he was always fielding balls he shouldn't have.

[atomicnixon]

Randle El is a beast. It is such an improvement from Antonio Brown and his consistant fumbles. (Credit is due for his Arizona runback).

[Redskins8588]

I love the fact that ARE is on our team. Living up here in Steeler country, all I heard when the Redskins got him was, "Thats ok, we didnt need him anyway... So what he only caught like 35 passes last year, anyone can do that..." But now I think that the Steeler fans are starting to realize that ARE brought much more to the table, such has his ability to pass, draw pass coverage, and the most important field position on punt returns.

[marius]

The guy is electric AND has safe hands - compare that to Brown last year who just had electric hands!

Also, Chad Morton is averaging 6.1 yards per punt return this year - ARE is 12.4 I believe. A world of difference.

[dall-assblows]

why doesn't he return kickoffs?

[Crat92]

Originally Posted by dall-assblows

why doesn't he return kickoffs?

Good question. Now all we need is for Novak to start kicking the ball deeper on kick offs.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by dall-assblows

why doesn't he return kickoffs?

winds you more, more likely to take big hits, less chance of breaking through (the punting team tends to have slower guys to prevent blocks).

he's been so worry free back there though. no worries about fumbles (see steelers and s. holmes or skins and a. brown), no worries about knowing when to take it or let it go (a brown, c morton, etc), etc. I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me he was the best in the league at punt returns, i'm pretty sure there aren't 4 other people i'd take over him.

he is a lot more than a guy with 35 catches a year though*. the steelers are seeing that now. versatility is underrated.







*that doesn't mean i'd keep him over holt or m harrison though .