Our return game smells... - Dallas Cowboys Forum

ScottCase · 09-25-2005

That's one area I want improved ASAP....Crayton looks scared back there and we can't get anything on the KR. I think Thompson can improve but the scheme has to be better.

DLCassidy · 09-25-2005

Crayton needs to be replaced as a PR. He sets up so deep Ray Guy in his prime couldn't reach him and then watches as the punt bounces. Put T New back there. That was painful to watch today.

jrockster77 · 09-25-2005

What's wrong with Thompson? Man, he damn near gave me a heart attack on Monday night! He is really fast; from what it looked like to me, you guys are set at kick returner.

Was he an UDFA pick-up? Or was he drafted?

**big dog cowboy** · 09-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrockster77

What's wrong with Thompson? Man, he damn near gave me a heart attack on Monday night! He is really fast; from what it looked like to me, you guys are set at kick returner.

Was he an UDFA pick-up? Or was he drafted?

UDFA pick-up. First Cowboy ever from Irving, Tx.

Cowboy from New York · 09-25-2005

I want to see Thompson be given a fair chance to be the permanent KR, we all saw his speed in preseason and we've seen flashes of it in the regular season as well. I have no doubt he will reward us with big gainers this season.
As far as PR, that's still s real murky area, can't blame it all on Crayton as the outside blockers did a very poor job of containing the gunners.
Most fans know we will be playing special teams against our old pal coach Avezzano, I hope we can show him a thing or two.

BHendri5 · 09-25-2005

I do not like Crayton back there either. I have no problem with him fielding (calling for a fair catch) the punt, or catching a punt that he should let go.
It is when he catches them and start to run, he runs to high and he has this bad habit of carrying the ball in one hand and I'm afraid he will fumble, or get hit so hard because of his style that he'll fumble.

BHendri5 · 09-25-2005

Thompson has been doing alright on KR. He has been running to daylight now instead of right into to pile. I know he is just following Instructions (KR right, left or middle) but if there is a pile there run to daylight.
He seems to be getting comfortable now.

He'll be fine.

FuzzyLumpkins · 09-25-2005

Vrayton has been taking some shots for the past three games on PR and reg offense. He def looks like hes hearing footsteps.

On that last punt against Wash I was so pissed that they didnt have TNew return the punt.

Trophy#6 · 09-26-2005

I've been really happy with TT so far in the KR game. Definatly questioning Crayton being back there on punts though.

But TT, didn't they say he was 3rd in the NFC in return average before the game started? I think we've found a rare gem in him. Now I just wish we'd try him back in the punting game or like other said, drop Newman back. Crayton is just not cutting it.

If anything, I think TT and PC are backwards on this. Doin't know if Crayton would be better then TT on KR's, but positive he'd be better on PR's then Crayton.

Redball Express · 09-26-2005

I'm sure Crayton is there because he's supposed to have the best hands on the team. We can't afford any muffed punts.

And I'm very curious about this having Crayton in there. If he's our #3 WR, is it smart to have him in the game in PR where he's getting beatup so much..? This has to affect his play on offense.

As we can see, the last two defenses have nullified him. He's not doing what he did in pre-season and the first game.

So, wasn't the #4 and #5 WR supposed to be ST players..? I know Price isn't going to be playing there except possibly he should try to return some punts to get him ready to contribute on offense. If he's so fast, why not..?

I think the #3 WR should not play on ST and the #4 and 5 guy should be there for their hands and because they need to play where they have the rock in their hands and make plays.

Thompson has the potential to make some plays, but there seems to be some sort of issue with BP and the coaches with him. Don't exactly know what, but I'd suspect it's about protecting the ball coming up field. The difference from playing running back to KR in the NFL has to be pretty wide.

Learning to use some moves to make the first guys miss is critical to getting up field. Thompson seems like he's sort of a straight-line speed guy and he's liable to get killed if he doesn't get a little finesse on the moves thing.

But I think you have to let him try and get him on the field with his talent at least 6-10 times a game to give him the chances. Whether it's ST or on offense.

I'd also like to see us run him out of a two back setup with Jujo and have him going in motion and taking off downfield 1-1 with a LBer. If he can get even a step on the defender and Bledsoe can get him the ball, it would be fireworks.

We'll see.

parcellswaterboy