[News] Returner Competition Wide Open

[BR News]

The Ravens are looking at everyone from an undrafted rookie to a 15-year veteran.

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[VeiledPsychosis]

Letting SSS handle the returns is an interesting idea, I don't think he's been a return specialist since really early in his career. With all the receiving talent we have it's actually a viable option but, personally, I think we should go elsewhere considering SSS is our only real vet receiver with actual starting experience. I like Asa as the punt returner and Carter is an interesting guy for kick returner, I'm sure we'll see him return a few in the preseason.

[stevenap]

I don't know about anybody else, but I'd really like to NOT see Webb or Smith Sr. back there. I know you can't play to not get hurt, but why risk it.

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

May the best man win....

[Ravensfansince03]

Is it so hard to sign a player specifically to be a return specialist?

[VeiledPsychosis]

Is it so hard to sign a player specifically to be a return specialist?

considering there is a limited number of roster spots....yes, no need to waste a roster spot when we have plenty of capable guys

Edited June 9, 2015 by VeiledPsychosis

[reed20fence]

There're a lot of psychological states involved in special teams. Gunners need to have a certain craziness. Returners have to be loco enough to be ok with a guy ramming into them full speed with a 65 yard head of steam.

When it comes to why teams plug in veteran guys to return at specific moments it has more to do with awareness and calmness than return ability. You don't want to be holding onto a 3 point lead late in the 4th, have your defense hold the other guys just out of their kicker's range, force them to punt, but stick a shaky wide-eyed rookie out there with the weight of the moment on his shoulders, and depend on him to have the awareness to judge the kick and in a split second determine where it's gonna bounce, how it's gonna fly, where he is, whether he should fair catch, or let it go into the end zone.

That's why historically there were times where we'd stick an old and weary Ed Reed back there.

You gotta have athletes back there, but also need to keep the older calmer guys ready to go.

Edited June 9, 2015 by reed20fence

[FloridalovesRavens]

No to Webb and Smith. Should still have Jacoby imo.

[DomMcRaven]

While many of us (me included) are eager to see the competition at WR during training camp, the returner competition is the one I'm looking forward to the most for this very reason. 

[RaineV1]

Well, he said the offensive linemen won't get a shot, so I guess we'll be seeing the defensive line return kicks in practice? Brandon Williams could totally take it back for a touchdown.

[n#7]

No to Webb, Smith or Jackson. Smith for obvious reasons and Webb & Jackson are DB's and the team can ill afford them getting injured. We'd be back in the same boat in the D backfield as we were in '14. Carter looks to be a viable candidate.

[Bleedpurple&black52]

A big NO to Webb, Smith & Asa, I say YES to Carter or Fitz

[Drew P]

No to Webb and Smith. Should still have Jacoby imo.

 

Jacoby was useless as a WR and then his return game fizzled out...next.

[Drew P]

It be cool to see Waller back there

[Cillmatic]

It be cool to see Waller back there

Too big, he'll be an easy tackling target. Also, he's fast but he's not quick, he can't make cuts fast enough and he doesn't have twitch. We need a smaller guy like Carter or Asa. They have the needed physic and experience. Webb and Smith don't need to be taking injury risks.

[purplejay91]

A big HELL NO to Snr and Webb returning kicks. Very unnecessary....esp Webb since he's injury prone and Snr we need to keep fresh down the stretch.

[omar586]

webb and sss r off the table.

carter, jackson, vaughan, toussant should battle it out.

[Drew P]

Too big, he'll be an easy tackling target. Also, he's fast but he's not quick, he can't make cuts fast enough and he doesn't have twitch. We need a smaller guy like Carter or Asa. They have the needed physic and experience. Webb and Smith don't need to be taking injury risks.

 

He gets a head of steam lets see some STeamer try and open field tackle that dude

[Mr.Incredible]

I say Carter

[Purple Dawg 96]

Asa "Ace Boogie" Jackson!

[Puntit]

Carter or Fitz would be ideal -- I think it might be tough for either to make the team without some kind of special team value, given the depth chart. No way we should risk injury on SSS or Webb.

[sflegend89]

Gut feeling is Carter get's the returner job and makes the 53

[harfordravenfan]

Well, he said the offensive linemen won't get a shot, so I guess we'll be seeing the defensive line return kicks in practice? Brandon Williams could totally take it back for a touchdown.

 

How about Myers (with those tree trunk legs) lol

[harfordravenfan]

Carter or Fitz would be ideal -- I think it might be tough for either to make the team without some kind of special team value, given the depth chart. No way we should risk injury on SSS or Webb.

 

Agree with ya there. What happened to the guy Vaughn or something like that (thought he had return experience) but didn't hear him mentioned

[EdBallhawkReed20]

Fitzgerald Toussant would be good as both but that means you have 4 running backs plus a fullback. I would love to see him play snaps as well but I don't see it happening. Asa Jackson is extremely valuable considering if Smith or Webb get hurt. He has to be the no. 2 corner to allow Kyle Arrington to be your no. 3 shutdown cb or let Vaughn play no. 2. I think Carter seems ideal because the opening being made by the number of receivers being hurt if Campanaro does not come back in time to claim the job.

[Jim Giampaoli]

Preseason games, pick Toussaint to run the ball back also Asa Jackson.

See how they do in prep for the season. I can't picture Steve Smith Sr. returning kickoffs at age 36. Someone may disagree with me, but it's insane to even mention Webb as a return specialist unless the front office & coaching staff have completely lost their minds.

Edited June 10, 2015 by Jim Giampaoli

[stampedehero]

Preseason games, pick Toussaint to run the ball back also Asa Jackson.

See how they do in prep for the season. I can't picture Steve Smith Sr. returning kickoffs at age 36. Someone may disagree with me, but it's insane to even mention Webb as a return specialist unless the front office & coaching staff have completely lost their minds.

Jim.  I agree. The idea is absurb........  Perhaps OTA's but that is all.

[stampedehero]

I think its obvious.  Carter should be The Guy.  He did it in college and he can be used in offensive packages where the opposition doesn't expect him on the line of schrimmage.  Camp should be considered but he has a situation similar to Dennis.  Dennis with the hip and Camp with the quads.  

[stampedehero]

How about Myers (with those tree trunk legs) lol

He probably runs like a tree trunk....lol

[Blackmon1]

Can't wait to see my Son play. Its a dream come true.......#63