FWST: BLOG: Felix might not return kickoffs

[Cbz40]

Felix might not return kickoffs

One of the things the Cowboys talked about when they drafted running back Felix Jones was his kick return skills as well as his ability to make plays out of the backfield. Jones finished his college career as the ninth ranked kickoff returner in NCAA history with a 28.2 yards per return average.

Well, Jones has been everything the Cowboys thought he was as a running back. He gives them a nice big big play option as a pass receiver or taking a simple toss _ so much so that they plan to use him more and more in the offense.


But as his role gets expanded on offense, the possibility of the Cowboys using Jones as a kickoff returner might diminish because of the chance of injuries.


Coach Wade Phillips said it helps that the Cowboys have other capable returners in receiver Isaiah Stanback and cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

"I think it’s factual there are more injuries on kickoff than any other phase of the game, not that returners are always getting hurt," Phillips said. " If he becomes a really important part of our offense it’s whether you want to or not. It’s again a fine line there, whether that’s one kick return … You’re hoping you’re the team kicking off all the time and not the one receiving. We’d like to be in that shape, so we don’t have to rely on him returning kickoffs for us to win."





Posted at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

 

[Yeagermeister]

Just as long as we aren't trying to use Coleman.

 

[cowboys2233]

Coach Wade Phillips said it helps that the Cowboys have other capable returners in receiver Isaiah Stanback and cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

"I think it’s factual there are more injuries on kickoff than any other phase of the game, not that returners are always getting hurt," Phillips said. " If he becomes a really important part of our offense it’s whether you want to or not.

Sadly, that revelation would have helped prior to Austin getting hurt. But I tend to agree, I think Stanback could make a great kick returner, he almost popped that one and took it to the house. I was in the second row, dead center of the endzone -- he had a WHOLE lot of real estate ahead of him!

 

[Cbz40]

Sadly, that revelation would have helped prior to Austin getting hurt. But I tend to agree, I think Stanback could make a great kick returner, he almost popped that one and took it to the house. I was in the second row, dead center of the endzone -- he had a WHOLE lot of real estate ahead of him!

and I agree w/you. Stanback can do the job....

 

[I LOVE ME SOME ME!]

Put Scandrick back there. He seems to be salivating at the mouth to be a big part of the Cowboys.

 

[RainMan]

Not surprising. This happens to a lot of RBs that return kicks (Tiki and Westbrook come to mind, if I'm not mistaken).

I just hope we get to see him do it some early on. At the very least, I'm intrigued to see how he looks.

 

[Hostile]

Felix is proving his value quickly. They might be less likely to risk him.

I'd still like to see him return some kicks.

Either that or line him up as a WR in the slot on a lot of plays. I think he'd create instant matchup problems and his hands catching the ball have impressed me a bit.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

lets not forget about adam either

 

[Yeagermeister]

Sadly, that revelation would have helped prior to Austin getting hurt. But I tend to agree, I think Stanback could make a great kick returner, he almost popped that one and took it to the house. I was in the second row, dead center of the endzone -- he had a WHOLE lot of real estate ahead of him!

I thought he had it. That last guy got just enough of his leg to bring him down.

 

[reddyuta]

I mentioned this in the other thread-I hope they use him now and then.He really is a good kick returner.

 

[cowboys2233]

lets not forget about adam either

Oh, Pacman should definitely be the punt returner, no doubt about it. We just need a big, fast dude to return kickoffs though -- I think its a perfect situation to get Stanback some real playing time and to use his athleticism.

Again, not sure how it looked on t.v. but he was this close to taking that one to the promised land!

 

[Achozen]

Felix is proving his value quickly. They might be less likely to risk him.

I'd still like to see him return some kicks.

Either that or line him up as a WR in the slot on a lot of plays. I think he'd create instant matchup problems and his hands catching the ball have impressed me a bit.

I'm pretty sure that's gonna happen. I think we're just saving it for the Browns game.

 

[Cbz40]

Phillips gives in to Pacman

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips wasn't going to give Pacman Jones a chance at a punt or kick return against Denver. Wanted him to wait until this week against Houston, allowing him to be more comfortable.
After Jones begged and begged all week, ol' Wade finally gave in and gave him a shot to knock off the ball-catching rust. And look what happens. Jones busts a 24-yard return and probably could have had six had he broken the tackle of the pesky punter.
Maybe Pacman will be begging for a kick return this week.
- Rick Herrin


Posted at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

 

[jobberone]

Seems he would create more problems out of the backfield. That way you almost guarantee a LB on him. Just takes longer to get downfield. Split him out and they'll probably adjust to put a slot type DB on him.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

I am pretty certain that Jenkins returned kick offs in College. He may be another option.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Seems he would create more problems out of the backfield. That way you almost guarantee a LB on him. Just takes longer to get downfield. Split him out and they'll probably adjust to put a slot type DB on him.

I would motion him out of the backfield in to the slot. That would cause some confusion. At the very least it should cause a LB to cover Witten :drool:.

 

[Hostile]

Seems he would create more problems out of the backfield. That way you almost guarantee a LB on him. Just takes longer to get downfield. Split him out and they'll probably adjust to put a slot type DB on him.

Exactly Doc, exactly. Instant matchup problem.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

Oh, Pacman should definitely be the punt returner, no doubt about it. We just need a big, fast dude to return kickoffs though -- I think its a perfect situation to get Stanback some real playing time and to use his athleticism.

Again, not sure how it looked on t.v. but he was this close to taking that one to the promised land!

i agree and yes it was very close

 

[Little Jr]

If he's our best KR guy then he should be back there. The more touches this guy gets the better. IF there is a better option FJ then they should do it but only if they are better. You want your best players on the field. Injuries suck but they do happen.

 

[cowboys2233]

If he's our best KR guy then he should be back there. The more touches this guy gets the better. IF there is a better option FJ then they should do it but only if they are better. You want your best players on the field. Injuries suck but they do happen.

Yeah, but there are things that can be done to minimize risk to players who could contribute significantly in other ways.

Stanback isn't going to see much time as a WR, let's face it. This way, he gets some real-game experience and gets to use his size and speed effectively. Everyone here who loves Stanback will get to see their boy after all! Everyone is a winner!! Let's eat cake.