DC: 20 Questions: No. 17 Has Writers Debating Cowboys’ Return Game

[jobberone]

20 Questions: No. 17 Has Writers Debating Cowboys’ Return Game
Wednesday, July 06, 2016 4:48 PM CDT
By DallasCowboys.com Report

The Cowboys have completed their OTAs and minicamp practices. The offseason is history. Training camp in Oxnard is up next in late July.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rob Phillips, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – are attempting to answer 20 pressing questions as the team gets ready for camp and the 2016 season.

Today, our staff continues the series by evaluating the return game – both punt and kickoff – and how the Cowboys can possibly improve that area of the special teams in 2016.
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No. 17 – How Will Cowboys Improve Subpar Return Game in 2016?

Bryan Broaddus: If this group is going to improve, I don’t believe it’s going to fall at the feet of Lucky Whitehead or any of the other returners on this squad. As a unit the overall blocking is going to have to improve first – if doesn’t you could have Deion Sanders returning punts and it will not matter. In studying this area, there were far too many snaps where defenders were running free that were not accounted for. It is one thing for a returner with the skill of a Whitehead to make one man miss but two or three others - not happening. Both Whitehead and Beasley averaged 5.5 per return which ranked 29th in the league. Only Green Bay, Washington and San Diego were worse. There is no question Whitehead is capable of handling the job after what he showed in his work with the offense in the open field plus the opportunities he got on the kickoff returns. Improve the blocking from the core of the special teams and you we will see an improvement in field position for the offense.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...-17-has-writers-debating-cowboys’-return-game

 

[jobberone]

When was the last time you were excited about the return game.

 

[theebs]

When was the last time you were excited about the return game.

Guess you didn't watch Dwayne Harris? He was one of the best in the league. We won a bunch of games because of his returns shortening the field or him scoring.

I expect the st units to be one of the biggest improvements this season. I think whitehead is going to be a very good player this year, maybe the most improved on the team.

 

[Shinaoi]

I almost expect a flag any time there is a big special teams play.

 

[cowboyblue22]

special team play tells you lots about the depth on a roster the new kick off rules will make that part of the games where its not as important and not sure about punt returns they have no one that is proven to be a good returner.

 

[Doomsday101]

I look forward to see Whitehead start the season as the punt returner. I expect to see him make a real impact in special teams this season

 

[jazzcat22]

It's Lucky's job to lose. One of the contributing factors will be if a WR pushes him for that 5th WR spot, unless they keep 6. He will need to improve in the WR area. I am looking forward to see how he does, as well, how he is used in preseason games.
I am fairly confident, he will improve even more as a returner. As we seen him progress during last season.

A WR or DB will need to show some very good return skills to take his spot. As will the coaching staff trust yet another rookie return guy. The learning curve starts again. I don't think any on the roster have returned that many kicks offs or punts in college.

Now McFadden can return kicks, and we do not want Beasley on punt returns.
The other factor if given the chance, is how quickly can Darius Jackson do either or both. As right now, he is a PS RB if he can't do something else. IMO.

 

[Proof]

Should offer Leary to minny for cordarelle.

Think I saw he only had like two TARGETS last year. And that was before drafting treadwell

 

[jazzcat22]

Should offer Leary to minny for cordarelle.

Think I saw he only had like two TARGETS last year. And that was before drafting treadwell

Interesting.
We could use him more than a back up OG.
He can return KO's, but he did not return punts. Wonder if he can. Curious as to why he was only targeted twice. Doubt Vikings would give up a 1st round guy in his 4th year. But dpends on how bad they need an OG too.

I would have no issue with this. But wonder if he was a troubled player. I vaguely remember he had some issues. But not sure.

 

[erod]

Washington was worse than Dallas last year? With Desean Jackson?

The return game is more about field position than who the returner is. Hence, defense. When you force teams to punt deep in their own territory, opportunities abound. When you are constantly catching punts on your own 12 yard line, you're fair-catching everything.

 

[Proof]

Interesting.
We could use him more than a back up OG.
He can return KO's, but he did not return punts. Wonder if he can. Curious as to why he was only targeted twice. Doubt Vikings would give up a 1st round guy in his 4th year. But dpends on how bad they need an OG too.

I would have no issue with this. But wonder if he was a troubled player. I vaguely remember he had some issues. But not sure.

what's happened with him is really one of the bigger mysteries of late. only trouble i can recall is him saying year before last that he didn't give maximum effort that he had an ego and thought "i'm a first rounder i'm here" or something to that effect. which is troubling in it's own right, but at least he's to the point where he's admitted it and understands it.

also they're not picking up his option for next year so don't see why they wouldn't move him if he's not in their plans anyway.

 

[jazzcat22]

what's happened with him is really one of the bigger mysteries of late. only trouble i can recall is him saying year before last that he didn't give maximum effort that he had an ego and thought "i'm a first rounder i'm here" or something to that effect. which is troubling in it's own right, but at least he's to the point where he's admitted it and understands it.

also they're not picking up his option for next year so don't see why they wouldn't move him if he's not in their plans anyway.

Maybe something happens a few weeks into TC for this to happen. No injuries to either team, but more like a few players on the Vikings side just aren't working out on the OL.

 

[Longboysfan]

When was the last time you were excited about the return game.

Kelvin Martin.

 

[jobberone]

Kelvin Martin.

Or Deion

 

[erod]

Or Deion

I can't stand Deion. Never wanted him. Wish he never played here. Complete fraud of a human in so many ways.

But when that dude caught a punt, I watched like a hawk. Fastest dude in pads that ever played.

 

[GoJacks]

Interesting.
We could use him more than a back up OG.
He can return KO's, but he did not return punts. Wonder if he can. Curious as to why he was only targeted twice. Doubt Vikings would give up a 1st round guy in his 4th year. But dpends on how bad they need an OG too.

I would have no issue with this. But wonder if he was a troubled player. I vaguely remember he had some issues. But not sure.

He is an absolutely terrible, awful WR. They would trade him for Leary in a second. I would not trade Leary for him ever.

 

[DandyDon52]

Special teams are only special if the coaches make it special !
Right now it is a holding area for project players, who will never develop, and then there is the ST coach.
Hardy seemed to think he could do a better job.

 

[Teague31]

PR- Lucky
KR- Jackson