Special Teams?

[Van111]

After the mid point of the season, was nice to see Brisley out there. IMO, we should have this kid returning punts and KO's here on out. He showed his potential on the one opportunity he had. To me, the biggest dissapointment thus far was our lack of improvement in this area, unless of course you talk about our complete failure in establishing any kind of offense with playcalls involving TE's. (Ok, off topic, maybe someone else can explain why we aren't using this position)

Stats for this year: (Rankings)
96th in the country in KO/P returns (well is an improvement over last years 118th ranking)
46th in punting, but 72nd in net average (again slight improvement from last year)
90th in FG/Xpt conversion (just 5 of 8 in FG with 2 missed x-pts and a long FG of just 37 yds)

I understand that special teams don't necessarily make or break a team, but with a program that is struggling to improve, an improved ST's could be what we need the most, and I think it is time to uncork the kid we brought in here to be our next "Spotwood" performer in this area. Time for Mr. Estime to get his chance at the rock. What are your thoughts here?

 

[xc84]

Estime has had 3 returns. One punt return was for 43 yards and the other was for 1 yard. He had a 15 yard KO return.

P-T-G appears to be our best KO returner and is averaging a healthy 25 yards per return.

 

[florange44]

My eyes tell me that Estime has the most accelration and wiggle of any of our KR and PR options. I suspect that the coaches know this too. I also suspect the reason they aren't playing him there is that they don't trust him to hold on to the ball. They put him in against GT because it didn't matter at that point.

This is another case of coaches playing "not to lose" (no fumbles) vs. playing to win (longer returns and momentum).
I don't see them in practice, so for all I know Estime could be fumbling every 3rd time he touches the ball. I doubt that though because they don't seem worried about getting him the ball on offense. I can only conclude that

1) they can't see Estimes inherent ability (I don't believe that for a second)
2) they have played it safe and rewarded Morris and Mcfarlane for time on the team

IMO, it's time to let Estime return kick-offs.

Florange44

 

[orangepassion]

Estime showed some serious wheels-i think he can be our best returner since the 80's with Spotwood and Ismail.

 

[Ottoble]

Estime has had 3 returns. One punt return was for 43 yards and the other was for 1 yard. He had a 15 yard KO return.

P-T-G appears to be our best KO returner and is averaging a healthy 25 yards per return.

I agree I think you put PTG back there WITH Estime on Kickoffs. Two threatening returners they can't kick away from one of them. Also I think with that set up you need to take the ball out of the endzone a little more often yes it is more risky but if you have home run threats it tips the scales and you need to try and get them running.

 

[xc84]

I agree I think you put PTG back there WITH Estime on Kickoffs. Two threatening returners they can't kick away from one of them. Also I think with that set up you need to take the ball out of the endzone a little more often yes it is more risky but if you have home run threats it tips the scales and you need to try and get them running.

And do you continue to try to work Estime into the offense or relieve him of those duties?

 

[Ottoble]

And do you continue to try to work Estime into the offense or relieve him of those duties?

Sure there isn't any reason not to he has already learned the plays he gets on the field for now KOR doesn't add anything to his mental plate just physical. Id be interested to see him and broyld in at both slots in a 4 wide set but I dream.

 

[Cuseman78]

He needs to do both. If we aren't going to be a great offensive team this year, we need a game changer in special teams. Watch his HS film, he's a damn game changer.