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.

[wazu]

Unless Tyreek Hill is on your team, and the coaching staff is willing to use him, then I agree with just having them fair catch.

[threebag]

Yeah, they need to quit ****ing with the game.

[crispystl]

Originally Posted by notorious

Remember the days where almost every KC punt and kick return got flagged?

Sigh. Good times.

Don't worry...the refs will be happy to provide that nostalgia for you Sunday evening.

[EPodolak]

Each team add a roster spot for a guy who does nothing but return kicks and punts. Skilled specialists instead of clumsy part-timers to make it fun again. Could legalize blocking in the back too.

[BWillie]

I would only return punts in the 2nd half when my team is down in the game. Never if leading.

[Molitoth]

I wouldn't even return kickoffs. It would be interesting to see the data on how often a team gets past the 25 yard line since the NFL changed the rule there.

It seems the Chiefs rarely get past the 20...

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

I wouldn't even return kickoffs. It would be interesting to see the data on how often a team gets past the 25 yard line since the NFL changed the rule there.

It seems the Chiefs rarely get past the 15…

FYP

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I would only return punts in the 2nd half when my team is down in the game. Never if leading.

So if the other teams punter happens to out kick his coverage by 10 yards you would fair catch at the 10 yard line ??

[HonestChieffan]

Remember when football was football? Didn't have some bunch of change agents always wanting to change the game? This is why we have soccer. If you dont like punts and punt returns go sign up for some free kicks and time off the field.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

So if the other teams punter happens to out kick his coverage by 10 yards you would fair catch at the 10 yard line ??

If he outkicked the coverage by 10 yards and the ball is going to land at the 10, you let it bounce. You will probably end up with a touchback.

[AdolfOliverBush]

I wouldn't be totally adverse to getting rid of kicking and punting in the NFL altogether.

[Wallcrawler]

Imagine having a special teams coach that is so tragi-comically bad at his job, that members of your fanbase question the benefits of returning a punt.

Look inward.

Fire Toub. Hire competent special teams coach and decisionmaker. Bring special teams back to the level of helping your team instead of trying to ritualistically destroy it every time they are called upon to perform.

[lcarus]

I dont know but i miss the days of Dante Hall and Devin Hester. The kick and punt return added a layer of excitement to the game that barely exists now.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by lcarus

I dont know but i miss the days of Dante Hall and Devin Hester. The kick and punt return added a layer of excitement to the game that barely exists now.

Have to protect the players.

[lcarus]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Have to protect the players.

I just wish they'd move kickoffs back