Smiths thoughts on returning punts..

[dpanthersman]

http://reederstake.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/10/smith-seems-lukewarm-to-the-idea-of-returning-punts/1327/

[Fireball77]

HAHAHAH, he's channeling Hank Stram...MATRICULATE THE BALL DOWN THE FIELD.

He hates it. IMO he has made that clear as far back as 2005.

[Darth Biscuit]

I agree with Smitty... NO, NO, and NO.

[Kurb]

How is a young guy to get experience if the Coaching Staff won't put him on the field ?

[CharlotteBeer.com]

At first, Smith seemed open to the idea, saying, “I either can accept that role or refuse that role or take it as a compliment. I’m just taking every opportunity I get to matriculate the ball down the field and however that happens, that’s how it’s going to happen.”

He seems more open to doing it, or at least doing it because he realizes the team needs it. It is also refreshing to hear he didn’t want to return due to a cracked rib, and not simply because he had outgrown the position.

[CRA]

well they talk him into an appearance every season.

[Bones McCoy]

Captain will do fine.

[rayzor]

no thanks...too big of a risk.

At first, Smith seemed open to the idea, saying, “I either can accept that role or refuse that role or take it as a compliment. I’m just taking every opportunity I get to matriculate the ball down the field and however that happens, that’s how it’s going to happen.”

However, when reminded he hasn’t always wanted to return punts in the past, Smith said, “Well I cracked a rib a couple of years ago and that kind of make you think differently. I cracked a rib and separated it. For people who think maybe I’m getting too big for my britches and I don’t want to do it, a cracked and separated rib make you change your mind on a lot of things.”

btw...matriculate?

I do not think it means what you think it means.

oh...missed the hank stram reference. flew over my head. funny.

[SMACKDAB]

WOW....I hope that is not negativity I see rearing it's ugly head.

:eek:

[Wither]

He seems more open to doing it, or at least doing it because he realizes the team needs it. It is also refreshing to hear he didn’t want to return due to a cracked rib, and not simply because he had outgrown the position.

Well, I'd be scared of injuries as a a returner too. I mean, you are often left in the open to be hit by numerous guys who are focused on you, whereas when you catch a pass, often times guys are out of place and have to regroup to take you down. Just think about kickoff returns... every single person is focused on you and they don't have to regroup at all. Ouch.

no thanks...too big of a risk.

Definitely. If he goes down... oh no.

[mush]

If Fox wants him out there returning punts, guess what?

He'll be out there returning punts.

[natty]

Well, I'd be scared of injuries as a a returner too. I mean, you are often left in the open to be hit by numerous guys who are focused on you, whereas when you catch a pass, often times guys are out of place and have to regroup to take you down. Just think about kickoff returns... every single person is focused on you and they don't have to regroup at all. Ouch.

Not only that but it's a bunch of special teamers trying to prove what they got.

The only way I'd be for Smith returning a punt is in a critical game situation or simply to psych out the other team.

[Khyber53]

No matter how bad our punt returners get, the risk of injury to Smith is way, way to big to warrant sending him out there.

Of course, if he goes to the coach and tells him to put him in (like against Seattle that time in the playoffs), you let him go and start working your way through the Rosary.

[2jakefansinva]

He's a big boy.......he can handle himself. Put'em back there and let'em go. If it's that dangerous why would we risk anyone to receive a punt?