Smith and Punt Returns

[Darth Biscuit]

Did Reed return one single punt? I don't recall him returning them... he mostly fair caught them.

Welker did have a few returns.

My point is, I'd rather have a guy in there to just make sure the punt is caught and not dropped than some flashy guy that you may get one or two returns for TD every season, but more than a few drops too...

That's something we've lacked (besides any really good STs play at all) is a solid guy that you KNOW isn't going to do something stupid.

I don't really want Smitty back there taking big hits tbqh, he's too valuable otherwise. Find some young guy that can catch.

[SpeedOFLight]

In 2005 in the NFC championship game, I recall that Steve went up to John Fox and asked to return that punt. When he did, he ran it back. He tried to get us going. I don't think it's a good idea to put your best offensive player out there to take extra hits during the regular season.

[rayzor]

you don't do it because he doesn't want to and you don't want to expose him to more big hits from defenders than he already takes.

it's a bad idea all around and the payoff is minimal compared to the risk involved....esp. in regular season.

[poorboysrev]

I an not a recent bandwagon Cam Newton nut hugging fan. I simply noticed 2 of the best coaches in the game using equally high profile players there. It would be a good move in the playoffs without a better option. Smith may be too selfish though.

Steve has always done everything this team has asked him to do. i have personally met him out when he was loading up carts full with coats for needy kids. He also runs his own charity(not just throws money at but physically goes to the needy) He is hot headed on the field...not selfish. There is no doubt if we needed him to in a playoff game he would. Of all the problems on this team, Steve is not one. If our other players played with even a quarter of his intensity we would be in the playoffs every year.

[CRA]

Smith did a punt return or maybe 2 when clauson couldn't get him the ball. I think that was the same year he didn't want to be the #1 wr anymore

Smith had 6 in 2010.

Odd season to use him but if you are a great PR or KR.....then I got no issue being used at it. Smith isn't at this stage so therefore it isn't worth the risk.

[CRA]

Steve has always done everything this team has asked him to do. i have personally met him out when he was loading up carts full with coats for needy kids. He also runs his own charity(not just throws money at but physically goes to the needy) He is hot headed on the field...not selfish. There is no doubt if we needed him to in a playoff game he would. Of all the problems on this team, Steve is not one. If our other players played with even a quarter of his intensity we would be in the playoffs every year.

He went to the media and ran his mouth this year

Seattle.....he hurt us with his immaturity.

He had his share this year of his flaws giving us a little reminder.

[thefuzz]

Do you guys realize that you need to practice returning punts to be really good at it, unless you are going to fair catch every one?

He doesn't need the extra practice miles on his wheels any more, he has to contain himself.

[Snake]

or you stack your team with decent blockers and get a decent young returner and a special teams coach with actual coaching abilities

All these things does not compute in Carolina.

[poorboysrev]

He went to the media and ran his mouth this year

Seattle.....he hurt us with his immaturity.

He had his share this year of his flaws giving us a little reminder.

Like I said he's hotheaded. Immaturity is different than saying he's to selfish to help the team in a big game. It seems like ALOT of our offensive players and coaching staff were pissed that Chud wouldn't listen to them about plays and formations they didn't like. We both know Steve isn't afraid to speak his mind. Anything he said to the media I am sure he had been saying behind closed doors for weeks with nothing changing. Anyone would be frustrated at that point.

[SOJA]

back during 2010 (the 2-14) season Smith returned punts in games which were close, if we were in the playoffs I bet he would step up