Should Teams Still Return Punts?

[Gary Cooper]

There were two TDs all of 2021 on punt returns. In the entire league. Just two. I feel like directional punting and coverage have improved a lot. More so than the return units.

Meanwhile, there's a much higher likelihood of being penalized, fumbling, or injuries than there is a positive gain. I'm surprised teams even bother returning punts these days. The rules already favor the offense. Getting a head start isn't as important as it was when the league was more defensive. The extra 10 yards or so aren't worth the risk IMO.

Should teams just fair catch punts going forward? Does your stomach tighten whenever any player on your favorite team is fielding a punt?

I've thought about this all last year, so it's not just a Skyy Moore reaction thing.