Punt Returns
This is the one phase of Michigan's game that has been a complete no-show through four games.
Now, I do realize that after last year, it's a relief just to be catching the ball. But on about 90% of punts, Matthews is either fair-catching or letting it bounce. The few actual returns he has attempted have been very short. It's the only phase of the game in which there have been no positive plays, although there have been no negative ones either.
Is there something specific that the team could be doing better? Or do you think Rodriguez has basically decided to concede that there will be no punt returns, in order to at least ensure that he gets the ball back for his offense.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:15 PM ^
He made one bad play today that he got really lucky on. I think Stonum looks great on kickoffs, maybe give him a chance to return it. RR could have told them not to return unless no one is even close. But I don't think our coverage has been that good.
September 26th, 2009 at 7:23 PM ^
get bumped on that one fair catch, or are you referring to another return?
September 26th, 2009 at 6:16 PM ^
I think RR just gave up on returns this year assuming that no turnover = good. As frustrating as it is to watch the game knowing there will be essentially no excitement in the punt return game (my favorite part of the game during Breastons tenure) I do see the value of focusing on eliminating the turnovers.
This all being said I don't understand why Stonum cannot field the punts as well as the KOs -- mabye too valuable or w/e.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:17 PM ^
I am 99% happy with the punt return game. Our offense is good enough that I trust them to score when they don't make freshman-type mistakes.
Mathews' job is simply to make sure Michigan gains and retains possession of the ball. He's probably never going to take one to the house, and I'm okay with that.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:19 PM ^
I have wondered why DR doesn't return kicks. Obviously, it would be kind of stupid to put our back up qb in this position, but if we need a good kick off return, do we use DR?
Stonum has been close to making a break out several times, usually gets tackled just before wide open space is ahead of him.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:22 PM ^
No. This isn't high school. You don't just put in your best athlete at every position where you need a big play. Stonum had a 94-yarder for a TD and he had a few decent returns today. We're fine there.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:26 PM ^
You don't just pick up punt returning as a sideline. It is a specific skill. Did Robinson return punts in high school?
The other point is that punt returning is somewhat dangerous, because of all those tacklers who have a running start up the field. Michigan doesn't have enough depth at QB to have Robinson doing anything other than taking snaps.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:29 PM ^
I would never use DR to return kicks, but if we were down, and it was late in the game...the Big 10 title on the line, or a BCS national championship shot on the line....
Would RR send DR our for the final kick off return (1 time only)just to get a good spot.
DR reminds me so much of Devin Hester and Percy Harvin. I'm not saying DR should just run right behind the wedge, but to show patience and see if he can navigate his way around players like he does in the qb position.
I would think it is worth using DR as a desperation play to get good field position with very little time left.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:34 PM ^
If we learned nothing else from last year, we should have learned that catching kicks isn't easy. I wouldn't put Robinson back there to catch a kick. It's as likely to be muffed as it is to be a good return.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:23 PM ^
we are one injury away from having Nick Sheridan as the #2 backup.
No need to risk Denard on silly punt returns. Just catch the ball and don't fumble this year and the punt return game is a big positive over last year.
Work on returns next year.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:27 PM ^
With the way Forcier's arm looked, we might be one injury away from having David Cone as the #2 guy.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:30 PM ^
Discretion is the better part of valor. A few of the goals entering the season were reducing turnovers and negative plays. The punt return strategy has been effective at meeting both goals. Keep it up G-Mat.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:37 PM ^
on punt returns this year.
Even ONE fumble on a punt return against either Notre Dame or Indiana would likely have meant a loss.
Quit looking for something to whine about.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:38 PM ^
I agree with the prior post that RR is OK with just maintaining possessions on punts. No Yardage but No Turnovers. It kinda reminds me of the Adam Sandler movie Waterboy, where the other offense just downed the ball every possession to neutralize Bobby.
PS "Momma says Spartans are the Devil"