Why not Dunbar on kickoff returns?

[gimmesix]

With Harris out, I don't understand why Dallas isn't using Lance Dunbar on kickoff returns instead of Terrance Williams.

Williams is more of a straight north-south runner while Dunbar shows the shiftiness to make moves to get through the coverage team while bursting upfield.

Maybe Dallas is afraid of fumbling?

 

[TTexasTT]

What gives you the idea that Williams is a "north and south" runner?

 

[StarBoyz83]

Good question. Id rather have dunbar back there also. Hes fast and less expendable as a player also.

 

[KLJ]

i like the idea of getting the ball in williams hands as often as possible.

 

[Doomsday101]

Good question. Id rather have dunbar back there also. Hes fast and less expendable as a player also.

Special teams matters, we can throw anyone back there object is to actually have success. If Williams is back there I'm sure it has something to do with the fact coaches feel he can do the job better than Dunbar

 

[Idgit]

I imagine it's the fumbling thing. Dunbar did it in a pinch last season, right?

 

[Direwolf63]

With Harris out, I don't understand why Dallas isn't using Lance Dunbar on kickoff returns instead of Terrance Williams.

Williams is more of a straight north-south runner while Dunbar shows the shiftiness to make moves to get through the coverage team while bursting upfield.

Maybe Dallas is afraid of fumbling?

Dunbar has had fumbling issues in the past. That may be part of it.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Special teams matters, we can throw anyone back there object is to actually have success. If Williams is back there I'm sure it has something to do with the fact coaches feel he can do the job better than Dunbar

i think Dunbar would be a successful for sure. I just kind of dont like risking our #2 wr. We need him on offense more.

 

[Tabascocat]

Stick Miles back there and earn that paycheck! At least he should catch the ball more than once a game

 

[Doomsday101]

i think Dunbar would be a successful for sure. I just kind of dont like risking our #2 wr. We need him on offense more.

I understand but you put people in there to get the job done. You can't protect players he is a football player let him play. If Dunbar could do a better job then I would say put Dunbar back there but I would never want to see us put some slouch back there at the expense of the team because we want to protect a player.

 

[bark]

I've often thought of thisyself. Gotta be the fumbling issue

 

[gimmesix]

What gives you the idea that Williams is a "north and south" runner?

For one thing, Garrett said it.

For another, watching him run. He's not a quick-cut type of guy.

 

[TrailBlazer]

He seems like the obvious choice to me. Maybe he can't catch kickoffs or punts. Fumbling issue as well. I'd like to see him get a shot back there.

 

[gimmesix]

I imagine it's the fumbling thing. Dunbar did it in a pinch last season, right?

Yes, which might mean Dallas has seen enough of him in that role to know it would rather have Williams.

I just don't see it, though. Dunbar has increased his size/strength since last season and has the explosiveness and movement skills to be successful at it.

I think Williams can only succeed at it if the blocking does a good job of giving him a lane.

 

[TTexasTT]

For one thing, Garrett said it.

For another, watching him run. He's not a quick-cut type of guy.

sadly, east and west yardage dont get you any closer to the endzone. Punt returners need one cut and then run.

As far as the fumbling I dont know that I like Williams back there any more than Dunbar. Williams doesnt exactly have wonderful hands.

 

[gimmesix]

sadly, east and west yardage dont get you any closer to the endzone. Punt returners need one cut and then run.

As far as the fumbling I dont know that I like Williams back there any more than Dunbar. Williams doesnt exactly have wonderful hands.

Oh, I have no problem with the north and south thing. I don't think Dunbar is a east-west dancer, either. I just think he has that quick-twitch ability to dodge the coverage and redirect his path through a new hole.

I'm hoping Williams proves me wrong in believing that he'll just run into the coverage if it gets into his path.

 

[Direwolf63]

Whether it's Williams or Dunbar back there, I would bet that the instructions to him will be to take the touchback if the kickoff is in the end zone. I'm sure the coaching staff only trusts Harris to take the ball out from 7 yards in. And if Harris isn't available, you may as well start at the 20 yard line.

 

[TTexasTT]

Oh, I have no problem with the north and south thing. I don't think Dunbar is a east-west dancer, either. I just think he has that quick-twitch ability to dodge the coverage and redirect his path through a new hole.

I'm hoping Williams proves me wrong in believing that he'll just run into the coverage if it gets into his path.

lol agreed. Id be happy to see Harris back there so we have to choose the lesser of two evils. Not to say that neither will have success.... but you know.

 

[TheCount]

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I'm sure they're afraid of how tiny he is, besides the fumbling.

But as much as I like Williams as a WR, I don't like him returning kicks, either. He is a north-south guy, but he's not good running through traffic. In college he was relatively easy to bring down. That's another reason that screen to him in the redzone earlier in the year was so dumb.

Fortunately, so many KOs are touchbacks now, it probably doesn't matter that much.