Seriously is this a given? Why in gods name would be run our blue chip first round WR (with a gimpy hammy no less) out where 250 lbs track stars will be trying to crush him with no regard for safety.
if he has a gimpy hammy, he wouldn't be out there. It's pretty clear that the Giants have been cautious about his health.
And if he's healthy, why not use him in the return game? I know Jason Sehorn has forever scarred this fanbase when it comes to using valuable starters in return positions, but there are plenty of valuable starters who make a big impact on the return game. I fucking hate him, but DeSean Jackson has been a stud in the return game. Cordarrelle Patterson is a stud in the return game for Minnesota. Darren Sproles is a stud. David Wilson was a stud for us.
If Beckham can make an impact in the return game, I have no problem throwing him out there.
It has always bothered me to see premium players in the return game. Many have made a living of it but the players are bigger and faster than ever and it's a good way to end a once promising career quickly.
if only because apparently, the chance of a penalty negating the chance a huge punt return in which he expends energy or suffers an injury is roughly 1000 times greater than a penalty negating an offensive play.
on that logic - the Eagles should have never put DeSean Jackson back there to return punts. And he only single handedly won about 10 games for them doing that over the course of his career. OBJ is a lethal return man, and he will do this in the NFL.
Never understood this argument about special teams
Like jcn said above, you can get hurt on any play. Special teams is a significant part of a football game. It isn't an afterthought. The best players that put a team in position to win should play at the spots they excel at.
So long as the Giants starters aren't wore out I would play a lot of starters on specials personally. The goal is to win. That's why you see guys like JJ Watt, Patrick Peterson, Earl Thomas, Haloti Ngata, etc... playing multiple roles/positions on a team.
at what point playing WR are you asked to run full speed...
with other guys running full speed in the opposite direction trying to hit you? But returns are the same as WR downs? Not to be an ass but those comments dont strike me as well thought out.
The only thing that comes close is catching balls over the middle and many WRs are simply not asked to do that.
I played full contact football in my 20s and we played with no pads. We had essentially pro 11 on 11 rules with one caveat: no kicking game. You wanted to punt you 50 yards and you took it on the 25 after a score?
Why? Because those downs are sick.
Deion Sanders aside most teams are smart enough not play critical skills guys in the return game.
RE: at what point playing WR are you asked to run full speed...
Reminds me of Hixon in terms of determination..He has a very nice PR last night unfortunately negated by penalty..I'm guessing it's Parker's job to lose
Different skill set, typically not quite as violent, and an elusive returner can "protect himself" more effectively. He can also be a weapon in flipping field position, an important bullet to keep in mind.
If he's the best option over Parker, put him back there and see what he can do. They believe OB is an explosive playmaker, a difference maker, let's see what he can do returning punts.
If he's back there getting creamed or is ineffective
Deion Sanders aside most teams are smart enough not play critical skills guys in the return game.
As others have pointed out, that's pure nonsense. You're certainly free to feel the risk on returns is great enough to overwhelm the value of using a player with value on regular downs, but you look awfully silly claiming that most teams share that opinion.
Kinda wish we still had Jernigan out there as the #3. He would have a lot of room to make plays in this offense and he can definitely play in space. Oh well...
as WR yards and TDs. And I haven't seen evidence that PRs are more risky than playing WR.
Its like saying you want to only give him a certain amount of snaps at WR because you're afraid of him getting injured.
Yep ^. Plus if he's as good as we've heard, he'll go a long way to helping us with the field position battle. It would be outstanding to have a HR threat as well. The 1st since Meggett.
Giants fans need to get over their PTSD over Jason Sehorn.
but given that ODB has limited experience running plays and doesn't yet have chemistry of experience with Eli, he will not just be thrown into a full load of snaps. Rather, he will be used sparingly. As such, it is not a bad idea to use him in the return game which relies far more on natural ability and instinct. This at least allows him to contribute overall to the team while he better prepares to be involved as WR
Its like saying you want to only give him a certain amount of snaps at WR because you're afraid of him getting injured.
And if he's healthy, why not use him in the return game? I know Jason Sehorn has forever scarred this fanbase when it comes to using valuable starters in return positions, but there are plenty of valuable starters who make a big impact on the return game. I fucking hate him, but DeSean Jackson has been a stud in the return game. Cordarrelle Patterson is a stud in the return game for Minnesota. Darren Sproles is a stud. David Wilson was a stud for us.
If Beckham can make an impact in the return game, I have no problem throwing him out there.
See:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDC9G5-c0g8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SVQk44hBBI
Just as much as Coughlin doesn't play rookies.
So long as the Giants starters aren't wore out I would play a lot of starters on specials personally. The goal is to win. That's why you see guys like JJ Watt, Patrick Peterson, Earl Thomas, Haloti Ngata, etc... playing multiple roles/positions on a team.
The only thing that comes close is catching balls over the middle and many WRs are simply not asked to do that.
I played full contact football in my 20s and we played with no pads. We had essentially pro 11 on 11 rules with one caveat: no kicking game. You wanted to punt you 50 yards and you took it on the 25 after a score?
Why? Because those downs are sick.
Deion Sanders aside most teams are smart enough not play critical skills guys in the return game.
Deion Sanders aside most teams are smart enough not play critical skills guys in the return game.
Except the Seahawks, Broncos, and Patriots.
Quote:
Deion Sanders aside most teams are smart enough not play critical skills guys in the return game.
Except the Seahawks, Broncos, and Patriots.
And Steelers - Antonio Brown
And Eagles - Sproles and formerly DJax
And Vikings - Cordarelle Patterson
And Bills - CJ Spiller
If he's the best option over Parker, put him back there and see what he can do. They believe OB is an explosive playmaker, a difference maker, let's see what he can do returning punts.
As others have pointed out, that's pure nonsense. You're certainly free to feel the risk on returns is great enough to overwhelm the value of using a player with value on regular downs, but you look awfully silly claiming that most teams share that opinion.
Kinda wish we still had Jernigan out there as the #3. He would have a lot of room to make plays in this offense and he can definitely play in space. Oh well...
Its like saying you want to only give him a certain amount of snaps at WR because you're afraid of him getting injured.
Yep ^. Plus if he's as good as we've heard, he'll go a long way to helping us with the field position battle. It would be outstanding to have a HR threat as well. The 1st since Meggett.
No shit.
Waste of stamina in my opinion.