Redskins News & Notes Chapter 6

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

I'm kind of against having a guy used just for Kickoffs. I feel like that could be where another RB or WR or CB or LB could come in handy instead of John Potter, the kick off specialist.

2012 NFL Kickoff Statistics - The Football Database

Kai, although he played in 11 games, he had 62 kickoffs last year. 45 of those were returned for 1,048 yards. That ranks 14th in the NFL. This John Potter guy had 26 Kickoffs last year, 11 of those were returned for 263 yards. Thats an average of 23.9 yards/return. Kai's average is 23.3 yards per return. In terms of kickoffs being touchbacks. 42% of Potters kicks were returned. 72.5% of Forbaths kicks were returned.

Although I see the difference, I like having kicks returned, it gives our ST's more opportunities to get fumbles and holding calls, as well as getting the returner to run it out, something which doesn't happen as often since the kickoff line has moved.

I agree completely. Oddly enough, in years past it wouldnt have mattered since we didnt have enough talent to worry about it. But I would much rather that spot go to a player. We have enough younger players that that spot makes a difference and could lose a young player who goes on the PS over being on the team.

I have also read where Kai is working on his kickoffs. The article is a few months old by now, but it looked like he was getting at least a little more distance on his kickoffs. Kai said in the article that it is less about leg strength and more about making the right contact with the ball (Making it sound similar to golf. Ball contact makes all the difference in the world in golf)