We might have a new punt/kick returner
76 yard run from Commanders new WR Kazmeir Allen. They can use him like Samuel & in the return game. He won the 100-meter state championship as a high school senior. Interesting guy to watch throughout the offseason and preseason. I think he can help. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/KrB0Su5y7R
— Nick Kerns (@nicktkerns) May 27, 2023
1 comment
Milne wasn’t good, but I think people really overestimate big punt returns. The most valuable skill is being able to just catch the ball in traffic and not make game losing plays by fumbling or muffing the punt.
Put another way: there were 3 punt returns for TDs last year, but there were over 80 fumbles on punt returns. Obviously not all of those fumbles were lost, but assuming half are that means there were 3 huge positive shifts in momentum and 40+ huge negative shifts in momentum, a punt returner’s first job is minimizing the negative.
With the new rule on kickoffs too I really think the most important thing is to have a guy with sure hands back there to avoid disasters. Obviously if Allen is sure handed it would be nice to get the extra 4-5 yards of field position, but I am not risking turnovers for a handful of yards.