Kickoff Specialist Idea

[RustyBourneHorse]

As I have said, having been a European-style football (I don't like calling the sport by it's American name lol) player and a kicker, I'm always partial to the kicker/punter. Therefore, Dan Bailey is one of my favorite players on the team. However, I must say that his play after he injured his groin was atrocious. My suspicion is that it probably had to do with him rushing back. Hopefully, it's better this season. However, it got me thinking about something. Why do we HAVE to have him kickoff? Why not let him focus on kicking field goals only and give him a break on kickoffs? So, who would takeover kickoff duties? Well, Chris Jones is a good option I suppose. I think he could certainly handle the kickoff duties, but I think I've got a better idea.

Why not let Jeff Heath take over kickoff duties? Remember the SFO game:

He's not necessarily someone that I'd ask to kick field goals, but, he's got a cannon for a leg when it comes to kickoffs. So, why not have him handle the safety and kickoff specialist role? I personally would LOVE to see him spend at least one preseason game doing the kickoff duties. I think that he might just prove himself to be quite the specialist there. Doing so would allow Jones to focus on punting and Bailey to focus on kicking field goals. We already have a ready made kickoff specialist on this team in Heath. Why not use him there?

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I know that kickoffs aren't the most glamorous topic, but hey, it's part of special teams. I think moving Bailey to solely kickoffs like Vinateri is a great way to keep him effective and reduce his injury risk. Jeff Heath showed that he could handle the kickoff role if needed, and I think he should take over the kickoffs.

 

[jwooten15]

I like that idea a lot. And very observant on your part. Similar to when we had Buehler, but we wouldn't have to devote a roster spot exclusively for a kickoff specialist.

 

[John813]

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23373088/nfl-not-considering-eliminating-kickoffs-2018-season

Wonder how much longer we'll even have kickoffs.

 

[Jake]

As I have said, having been a European-style football (I don't like calling the sport by it's American name lol) player and a kicker, I'm always partial to the kicker/punter.

Not to get off track, but the word "soccer" originated in Britain.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Not to get off track, but the word "soccer" originated in Britain.

Good point

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I like that idea a lot. And very observant on your part. Similar to when we had Buehler, but we wouldn't have to devote a roster spot exclusively for a kickoff specialist.

Exactly! We'd be using players we already have that we KNOW are good kickers. We already know that Heath is a special teams ace, and his kicking was phenominal. Therefore, like how the Colts don't use their kicker on kickoffs, why should we? There's a reason Vinetari (spc) has been playing well into his 40s. He doesn't kickoff. I think that can help Bailey, and Heath has one heck of a leg.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23373088/nfl-not-considering-eliminating-kickoffs-2018-season

Wonder how much longer we'll even have kickoffs.

I can't help but wonder about that, but, as long as we have Heath and as long as we have kickoffs, I think Heath should be the new kickoff specialist.

 

[xwalker]

As I have said, having been a European-style football (I don't like calling the sport by it's American name lol) player and a kicker, I'm always partial to the kicker/punter. Therefore, Dan Bailey is one of my favorite players on the team. However, I must say that his play after he injured his groin was atrocious. My suspicion is that it probably had to do with him rushing back. Hopefully, it's better this season. However, it got me thinking about something. Why do we HAVE to have him kickoff? Why not let him focus on kicking field goals only and give him a break on kickoffs? So, who would takeover kickoff duties? Well, Chris Jones is a good option I suppose. I think he could certainly handle the kickoff duties, but I think I've got a better idea.

Why not let Jeff Heath take over kickoff duties? Remember the SFO game:

He's not necessarily someone that I'd ask to kick field goals, but, he's got a cannon for a leg when it comes to kickoffs. So, why not have him handle the safety and kickoff specialist role? I personally would LOVE to see him spend at least one preseason game doing the kickoff duties. I think that he might just prove himself to be quite the specialist there. Doing so would allow Jones to focus on punting and Bailey to focus on kicking field goals. We already have a ready made kickoff specialist on this team in Heath. Why not use him there?

The added benefit is that the 11th guy covering kicks is not a kicker.

They used a punter as the kickoff guy for a few years.

 

[Melonfeud]

I'd imagine fielding the ability for an almost guaranteed touch back on KO's factors heavily into teams game planning, I know it would in mine,,,

 

[DcFootball4]

As I have said, having been a European-style football (I don't like calling the sport by it's American name lol) player and a kicker, I'm always partial to the kicker/punter. Therefore, Dan Bailey is one of my favorite players on the team. However, I must say that his play after he injured his groin was atrocious. My suspicion is that it probably had to do with him rushing back. Hopefully, it's better this season. However, it got me thinking about something. Why do we HAVE to have him kickoff? Why not let him focus on kicking field goals only and give him a break on kickoffs? So, who would takeover kickoff duties? Well, Chris Jones is a good option I suppose. I think he could certainly handle the kickoff duties, but I think I've got a better idea.

Why not let Jeff Heath take over kickoff duties? Remember the SFO game:

He's not necessarily someone that I'd ask to kick field goals, but, he's got a cannon for a leg when it comes to kickoffs. So, why not have him handle the safety and kickoff specialist role? I personally would LOVE to see him spend at least one preseason game doing the kickoff duties. I think that he might just prove himself to be quite the specialist there. Doing so would allow Jones to focus on punting and Bailey to focus on kicking field goals. We already have a ready made kickoff specialist on this team in Heath. Why not use him there?

I love this idea! I can just picture the announcers saying "30...40... now just the kicker to beat" BAM! Heath lights him up. Well as much as you can light someone up in today's world of football.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I love this idea! I can just picture the announcers saying "30...40... now just the kicker to beat" BAM! Heath lights him up. Well as much as you can light someone up in today's world of football.

Exactly! It'd be awesome, and we don't have to waste a roster spot on a kickoff specialist as someone said. We have one like we did with Buehler. Heath can kick AND hit!

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

The added benefit is that the 11th guy covering kicks is not a kicker.

They used a punter as the kickoff guy for a few years.

I remember that. I remember early in Bailey's career, we used McBriar on the KOs. I think Chris Jones can do it if needed, but I think Heath allows for extra athleticism as well as being the big hitter he is. I think it's perfect because we have 11 athletic and hard hitters playing that role including the KO specialist.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I'd imagine fielding the ability for an almost guaranteed touch back on KO's factors heavily into teams game planning, I know it would in mine,,,

That's true, but if you have 11 players including Heath that can hit and cover kicks well, then you may not have to worry about what happens if your kick falls short of the end zone. Besides, if it does, that works too. Either way, I think Heath as the KO specialist makes a lot of sense.....though, good luck to Madden lol.

 

[Melonfeud]

,,,I think I've played 'Madden' a fistful of times with my boys Nintendo 64 & finally pitched the controller out of disgust after his broncos kept killing my boys,,,
So you can Think what you want in that regard


Although it's seldom seen much,the opportunity for a substantial return on the kick off is always there,in fact I'd figure the odds lean higher in favor of the return team doing just that ,than in a #38 laying in on a catastrophic dough pop,,,

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

,,,I think I've played 'Madden' a fistful of times with my boys Nintendo 64 & finally pitched the controller out of disgust after his broncos kept killing my boys,,,
So you can Think what you want in that regard


Although it's seldom seen much,the opportunity for a substantial return on the kick off is always there,in fact I'd figure the odds lean higher in favor of the return team doing just that ,than in a #38 laying in on a catastrophic dough pop,,,

Well, I used to love having my character play both QB and Kicker. And that's possible, but Heath DID look good kicking off against SFO.

 

[Melonfeud]

Well, I used to love having my character play both QB and Kicker. And that's possible, but Heath DID look good kicking off against SFO.

#38 is Baller of exceptional heart & talent,,, that was just a bad stroke of luck in mechanical physics and the law of inertia for that Seahawks reciever when he ended his playing career.

 

[Londonboy]

Not to get off track, but the word "soccer" originated in Britain.

Those heretical originators of the "S word", were ostracised and vilified and subsequently purged from Society.

 

[Melonfeud]

Those heretical originators of the "S word", were ostracised and vilified and subsequently purged from Society.

And rightfully so,,egads man! To practice the ancient art of booting the severed heads of the enemy between the gleeful hoots and the shod blood covered feet of one's fellow's is absolutely ghastly,,, er,,,unless yer' drunk with the bloodlust & really didn't care all that much for those particular heads being included in yer' social circles,,,

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

#38 is Baller of exceptional heart & talent,,, that was just a bad stroke of luck in mechanical physics and the law of inertia for that Seahawks reciever when he ended his playing career.

Yup, but, like I said, I feel like he could handle the KOs if we need him to.