With a few exceptions, we’ve been virtually automatic at fair catching kickoffs, and in doing so, we have:
-No opportunity to start beyond the 25 yard line.
-Less practice of blocking schemes if we do run it.
-No pressure on opponents when kicking off to us.
Conversely, our opponents have gotten some excellent field position from their returns. We have even pooched it a few times to avoid allowing big gains, which has also given our opponents good field position.
Odds are that by setting up a return on all returnable kicks, we can at least get to the 20 yard line, and there’s always a chance we can break out for a big gainer or even a TD.
If the reason for conceding is to avoid injuries, then we should fair catch it 100% of the time and not 90%.
Maybe next season, we can set up more returns, at least for kicks we receive at or beyond the goal line or maybe, say, the 5-yard line.
-No opportunity to start beyond the 25 yard line.
-Less practice of blocking schemes if we do run it.
-No pressure on opponents when kicking off to us.
Conversely, our opponents have gotten some excellent field position from their returns. We have even pooched it a few times to avoid allowing big gains, which has also given our opponents good field position.
Odds are that by setting up a return on all returnable kicks, we can at least get to the 20 yard line, and there’s always a chance we can break out for a big gainer or even a TD.
If the reason for conceding is to avoid injuries, then we should fair catch it 100% of the time and not 90%.
Maybe next season, we can set up more returns, at least for kicks we receive at or beyond the goal line or maybe, say, the 5-yard line.
