Randle El

[Dept_of_Defense]

Has anyone been noticing how Randle El's first step when he returns a punt is always either sideways or backwards? I'm so sick of these 1 yard returns because he runs 5 yards backwards, then 7 yards sideways. He's done it in almost every single game this year. Does anyone else notice this?

[ChapelHillMatt]

Yeah but at least he knows when to get down and not create more problems for himself.

He's a good punt returner though, I'm surprised he hasn't broke one yet.

[KidBroSweets]

I have noticed this. And he hasnt really been that effective at all this season but I'm not going to blame this on Randle El. He never has any room when returning punts. I noticed that every punt he received during the Minnesota game there was absolutely no room to return. Our kickoff coverage seems fine, however, the punt coverage seems to be weak. Im not sure why this is....I dont know a whole lot about special teams.

[RedskinRyan]

I have noticed this. And he hasnt really been that effective at all this season but I'm not going to blame this on Randle El. He never has any room when returning punts. I noticed that every punt he received during the Minnesota game there was absolutely no room to return. Our kickoff coverage seems fine, however, the punt coverage seems to be weak. Im not sure why this is....I dont know a whole lot about special teams.

Yeah, ARE has been pretty piss-poor at returning this year. But atleast wiht the Minnesota game, he had no room to run.

[jtovb2005]

Yea not the returner we thought we were going to get it seems. I have wondered if there has been some breakdown in the blocking for him?

ST seemed to me to have gotten sloppy past few weeks. Some big kickoff returns in particular against us.

[shally]

as long as he holds onto the ball..that is all i care about

[give_portis_the_rock]

Why not have Santana returning punts?

[InsomniaKiller]

His first step is sideways because as soon as he catches the ball he's got two defenders in his face. He had a few good returns early in the season when he had some room but our coverage has been poor recently.

[Brit'Skin]

Why not have Santana returning punts?

I don't think it would make a whole lot of difference really with our poor blocking on punts. Its not just the Vikings game it has been bad. He is still a good returner just trying too hard to make something happen on every return.

I also wouldn't like to see our #1 reciever getting injured on a punt after we finally have him back at 100%

[smoak]

I'm with shally. ARE holds onto the ball which is good enough for me. At some point we need to draft a designated return specialist IMO. ARE is a nice player, but I want a burner...

[Ibleedburgundy]

The other team's gunners always seem to get down field untouched. There used to be a lot of double teams on those guys but this year I've seen a lot of single coverage.

[MadDog97]

I don't think it is his fault. That reflects the blocking. He is looking for an opening or trying to create one. I think that is what happens when you lack some young players who made it on the team because of special teams.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

i like ARE cuz he does a good job of securing punts and he has great elusiveness, but he needs to learn to make one move and GO. when he goes sideways it rarely makes a difference. but then again, hes made many plays doin those lil shimmy shakes so as long as he doesnt get negative yards, im good

[skinsfan36]

his first step is always sideways but he catches the ball so hes ok in this important stretch anyway

[ChapelHillMatt]

I like the Brian Mitchell type punt returners, they may not break as many but they don't hesitate, they find a hole and go, there is no dancing involved.

[santanadasavior]

He is always trying for the huge return. On all of his big returns he probably spends the first 3-5 seconds dancing about within 5 yards of where he caught the ball. As long as there is nothing negative I'm fine with the dancing. My theory has always been that kickoff returners should be run as hard as possible and as straight as possible to get the most amount of yards, and Rock does a stupendous job. The other part of my theory is that punt returners should have the freedom to do what they please because of the lack of time and blocking most times. I just know that everyone will love his side steps right before the big TD in Seattle.

[Hr fan]

Has anyone been noticing how Randle El's first step when he returns a punt is always either sideways or backwards? I'm so sick of these 1 yard returns because he runs 5 yards backwards, then 7 yards sideways. He's done it in almost every single game this year. Does anyone else notice this?

Yes I have - and don't like it either. The job of a returner is to make the first man miss and attack close to straight ahead. ARE doesn't, and has said that he doesn't like returning punts. Maybe the coaches should look at Redskins film in stead of Steeler film and consider Thrash.

[Dept_of_Defense]

I understand that sometimes our coverage can be pretty poor, but I've watched him do this all season even if we have decent return coverage. His first step regardless of the coverage is always either sideways of backwards, never downfield. He needs to find a hole and hit it full speed. His speed is what separates him from others, but when he dances around his speed doesn't mean anything because he's not using it.

[saviour]

Part of the issue here is that we have been attempting to block more punts and leaving the gunners in single coverage as of late which leaves him no choice but to dance or get down to preserve himself. Also, we have lost 2 of our best blockers on special teamers in Rogers and Taylor and replaced them with nobodies. Those two were animals when throwing blocks in an attempt to clear space. I remember the Vikings game from last season when they both de-cleated players on the same play. It was awesome. Now we have Leigh Torrence who I remember on a return againt Dallas was looking back at El instead of blocking for him and El had to avioid him in the open field which prevented a bigger return and this has become a regular occurence.

El is fine back there as long as he isnt fumbling the ball. He has had some nice returns for us the season although he hasnt gotten the TD that some might be looking for.

[redwolf1218]

i feel safe with him back there. the ball rarely hits the ground and rolls. at least he catches it. actually i have always wished they would rush the punter and just tell him to fair-catch it. kinda like Va Tech. when you have a consistent threat of rushing the punter, the punter and the snapper make more mistakes.

[Battle Cat]

I don't really blame ARE when you see Hester of the Bears when he does get a return, he's able to catch the ball and spend 2-3 seconds looking over the field and then take off and ARE you think is going to get blown up as soon as he catches the ball. ARE is taking a step sideways because he is side stepping a gunner running free most of the time.

[VegasSkinsFan]

Yes I have - and don't like it either. The job of a returner is to make the first man miss and attack close to straight ahead. ARE doesn't, and has said that he doesn't like returning punts. Maybe the coaches should look at Redskins film in stead of Steeler film and consider Thrash.


If he doesnt like to return the punts then yes, let thrash do the job, he is a solid player. Maybe next year if mason makes the team he can do the job, if i remember correctly he had a nice first step. GO SKINS !!!!