Do you want Christian McCaffrey returning punts?

[uncfan888]

3 minutes ago, KaseKlosed said:

Yes because he is supposed to transform the NFL we need as many 4TD games from him as possible. Just like he did at Stanford. He's a rookie let him go get wet

Get pooped on

[Krovvy]

Absolutely, he's a play maker. You can't bubble wrap him, and expect him to produce.

[gorillamilitia13]

No this guy is supposed to make our offense great again, can't risk him getting hurt returning punts. Byrd needs to be back there.

[Ihatedook]

simply put...no. put byrd back there...

[bestsportnascar]

Yes. Get him on the field as much as you can.

I think that was the idea on drafting Samuel as well. If one gets hurt, they will be somewhat interchangeable.  Both can run, both can catch. CMC does well blocking. That is where my concern would be with Samuel, it is an unknown. I should clarify, that is an unknown to me. Does anyone know how he did blocking in college?

[Peppers90 NC]

1 hour ago, stankowalski said:

Nope.  Put Byrd back there.  No need to risk injury to a player that is supposed to be what will make this offense really good this year.

tell me the last injury suffered by a punt returner

[Peppers90 NC]

1 hour ago, YoungPanthers89 said:

Is returning punts that much more dangerous than every other time he'll touch the ball? Unless Dante Wesley is out there I'm not too concerned about it 

nope. not really sure where the myth came from to begin with.

[Popsickle]

I say no, if you want CMC getting more touches he should get them on the offensive side of the ball. If he is going to evolve the offense that is we're his focus needs to be. 

Devin Hester, the most prolific punter returner in NFL history returned 14 punts over 10 years, for 0.044% of returns for a TD and averaged 11.7 yards per return.  Not that many punts go for touchdowns. 

I would just prefer somebody out there that is going to make smart decision and hang onto the ball. Our special teams always have been a joke, while placing CMC out there would more than likely affect the return game for better, the core issues of special teams need to be addressed and remedied. You can polish a turd all you want...but it is still a turd. 

[Mage]

Yeah, I think some of you guys are kind of overreacting.  The odds of him getting injured on punt return aren't any higher than any other standard play, especially if he is smart with his fair catches.  If anything, he will have more time to avoid direct hits because of the open space.

[Mage]

8 minutes ago, Popsickle said:

Devin Hester, the most prolific punter returner in NFL history returned 14 punts over 10 years, for 0.044% of returns for a TD and averaged 11.7 yards per return.  Not that many punts go for touchdowns. 

And not every run goes for a touchdown.  That is a bad way to look at it.  Even when he wasn't returning it for a TD, Hester could still make a huge difference in field position.  I forgot which game it was or who he was playing for at the time (may have been the 2010 game) but I remember us straight up preferring to give them good field position rather than kick it to Hester.  

[Cats Pride]

I say yes. I think the best player that can give us the best filed position on returns should be back there. If the coaches determine that is McCaffrey than he should be back there. He could get injured running the ball up the middle. I want the best players on the field the majority of the time.

[Harbingers]

3 hours ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Pros: Could gain some field advantage, but then again so could Byrd. 

Cons: Injury, bye bye "evolved" offense

 

Is it worth it? What say you?

No. 

We have other people for that. Honestly our special teams execution has not been all that as of late. Let him do his thing. 

[gakonline]

He absolutely needs to be back there but needs to be smart about it. Take the fair catch when needed and do not force returns when gunners are barreling down. 

[Jon Snow]

He's a football player, let him play football.  As a wise man once said we need touchdown scorers and this kid can score.  Unleash the beast!