Question: Who do you see as the prohibitive favorite to return punts and kickoffs? Allen Rossum? Is he a lock to make the team especially with the plethora of WR's we have? So if Rossum doesn't make the team or is injured who takes the reins? If
My answer: Thank you for that six-part question (along with a couple statements thrown in for good measure).
You can't find too much fault with anything Rossum did last year during his first season with the 49ers. He averaged 26.8 yards on 47 kickoff returns, and had a 14.9 average on 15 punt returns (with seven fair catches). Rossum, who turns 34 in October, handled all of his chances flawlessly.
The 49ers re-signed Rossum to a one-year contract. While he is not a "lock" to win a roster spot, Rossum is the "prohibitive favorite" to win the jobs to return kickoffs and punts in 2009.
OK, so now let's take a look at the players behind Rossum . . .
Delanie Walker took over on kickoff returns when Rossum was injured last season. He had 13 returns for a 19.8 average.
Also, Michael Robinson plays on all special teams. He performed the duty as one of the deep men on kickoffs. He generally lines up around the 10-yard line, several yards in front of Rossum. Robinson returned six kickoffs for a 22.5 average.
Two players who will be in battles to earn roster spots could also handle that duty. Receiver Micheal Spurlock did a fine job as the Buccaneers' return man in 2007. He became the first player in
Spurlock can also return punts. He handled seven chances for the Bucs in 2007.
Also, Arnaz Battle was a good return man for the 49ers in 2004. He averaged 8.6 yards a return, with a touchdown, on 31 returns (with 20 fair catches).
Zeigler had never handled punts in his life before being thrust into emergency duty late last season. He did not get any return yards on two returns and three fair catches, but at least he didn't fumble, either.
No. 1 cornerback Nate Clements is sure-handed as a return man, but the 49ers want to avoid using him back there for any extended period of time. (Tarell Brown also proved he can return punts in college, but he has not been used in that capacity since coming to the 49ers.)
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Jerry Rice will be featured Thursday evening (4 p.m., PT, but check your local listing) on ESPN's "Homecoming." Steve Young and Eddie DeBartolo will also appear on the hour-long show. The segment was filmed in late May. Rice spoke to the team after one of the practice sessions.
On a sad note, former 49ers security man Ricky Sandoval passed away last week after an inspirational three-year fight with pancreatic cancer.
After leaving the 49ers to become director of security for the Detroit Lions in 2001, I saw him only a handful of times. But he always greeted me with a smile and a handshake. My thoughts are with Gael, his wife of 14 years.
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UPDATE (5:17 p.m.): The 49ers claimed undrafted rookie Brit Miller after the Panthers released him. Miller (6-0, 251) played linebacker at Illinois, but the 49ers will move him to fullback.
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Do these options make Rossum expendable?
Matt, would you comment on the different skill set required between KO return and punt return?
How does a reader go about posing a question for Matt to answer?
you just did
Question: How does a reader go about posing a question for Matt to answer?
My response: Right here . . . Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/matt.maiocco) . . . or Twitter (http://twitter.com/MattMaiocco).
By the way, I only answer one set of questions per individual. Thanks for your question. You're eligible to have your next question answered in 2010.
(JK).
--Matt M.
Question: would you comment on the different skill set required between KO return and punt return?
My response: The No. 1 attribute for being a punt returner is the ability to catch punts. (Anybody can catch a kickoff.) It's important for a kick returner to have straight-ahead speed. He must get as many straight-ahead yards as possible before the coverage guys converge on him. A punt returner must make the catch and have the ability to make a lateral move to make the first man miss. --Matt M.
Question: Do these options make Rossum expendable?
My response: I do not believe so. Rossum, on paper, is the best man for both jobs. --Matt M.
A kick returner must also be crazy and have little regard for his own safety
I think Rossum deserves another year as returner on both punts and kickoffs. With the team as it stands now he is the most experienced at the position which is key because every football fan knows the importance of having real good special teams. And special teams play a big part in what's needed to have a good team. When their lousy, it really hurts the whole scheme of the team.
Also, Rossum has the speed and what's more important, he holds on to the ball. I don't care how fast a returner is, if he leaves the ball behind, he usually puts his team behind.
Great topic/questions. I was very pleased with Rossum's performance as a returner last year. No.1 reason why: no fumbles. I get a little nervous when I see Battle return punts; I think he's made a couple fumbles in that role over the past few years. Walker is a great returner also, and I'd like to see him used more in that capacity. After reexamining your latest roster projection I agree that Rossum is a lock to make this team.
Speaking of Delanie Walker, how can the 49ers use him more? He is a great runner after he catches the ball, and just seems to make plays. How can we get Davis and Walker the ball more this season? While also running more, and distributing the ball to the plethora of quality receivers we now have? I guess those are good problems.
Rossum has fumbled 18 punt returns and 9 kickoffs in his career (out of 295+131 fair catches and 506, respectively). He was mistake-free last season, and we can certainly hope for the same. However, he had 2-3 fumbles every year of the preceding 5.
Arnaz is 4-43+29 and 0-9 on fumbles-returns for PR and KR, respectively. Of course, one of those was when we asked him to return a punt with a broken hand.
Returns, particularly of punts, is a high-risk business (Devin Hester has fumbled nearly 10% of his PR opportunities). Both men are solid, but Rossum is more of a breakaway threat, plus he covers kickoffs as well. It's his job to lose.
I think straight-ahead speed is more of an asset for kickoff returns, where you generally make one cut and go. You need a burner fast enough to break the angles that the coverage guys are taking.
Punt returners are usually a little more shifty, since you might have to make a couple moves to dodge defenders before you start picking up yardage. A lot of times smaller, quicker guys without elite speed do very well with them.
kickoff returns = running at oncoming traffic
punt returns = dodging artillery