OWH | Pelini hopes 1-on-1 drills leads to stronger returns (Special Teams)

[NUinID]

Even with this approach, the perception of the return unit wouldnt be nearly as bad if we had guys back there with a solid knack for fielding punts, i.e. not muffing and not fair catching inside the 5 and not fumbling when they do return.

I know this isn't an excuse, but fielding a punt is probably the hardest skill in football to be good at. Then to field a punt and actually make some yards is even harder. They need to change how they do things and find the best punt returner they can. Anyone with speed and a little wiggle should be tried to see what they can do.

I remember back in the early 80's NU had like a 3rd string white guy CB who was the punt returner. Little guy walk on but man he was good. I want to say his name was Dave Ligle or something like that.

 

[Count 'Bility]

Well even though we rag on the Santino Panico season, he still did his job. He never muffed one, and always seem to make the right decision in regards to either fielding or letting it go. We can numerious times over the past couple years where our punt return unit could've and probably shouldve cost us the game. Just getting the ball is first and foremost. We can seem to do that half the time. IF only that is accomplished all the time, the perception of our return unit would probably be drastically improved.

 

[Abdullah the Butcher]

Send the punt team coaches to Virginia Tech for some cross training. We can teach them how to kick field goals.

 

[HeyBurke]

Send the punt team coaches to Virginia Tech for some cross training. We can teach them how to kick field goals.

Probably shouldn't do that. Virginia Tech's special teams has gotten pretty average in recent years. Then again, even average would a huge improvement for our special teams.

 

[Landlord]

Send the punt team coaches to Virginia Tech for some cross training. We can teach them how to kick field goals.

Probably shouldn't do that. Virginia Tech's special teams has gotten pretty average in recent years. Then again, even average would a huge improvement for our special teams.

Really?

What exactly about our field goal team, kickoff team, kickoff return team, and punt team was so far below average?

 

[HeyBurke]

Send the punt team coaches to Virginia Tech for some cross training. We can teach them how to kick field goals.

Probably shouldn't do that. Virginia Tech's special teams has gotten pretty average in recent years. Then again, even average would a huge improvement for our special teams.

Really?

What exactly about our field goal team, kickoff team, kickoff return team, and punt team was so far below average?

I'm referring to punt coverage, specifically. Should have made that more clear. In 2013, our punt return unit managed a monstrous 77 yards on punt returns for the entire season. That's good for 108th in the nation. I'd say that's well below average.

 

[Landlord]

I'm referring to punt coverage, specifically. Should have made that more clear. In 2013, our punt return unit managed a monstrous 77 yards on punt returns for the entire season. That's good for 108th in the nation. I'd say that's well below average.

I figured so, but you're right, should have made that more clear.

Overall, our special teams are pretty decent.

 

[HeyBurke]

I'm referring to punt coverage, specifically. Should have made that more clear. In 2013, our punt return unit managed a monstrous 77 yards on punt returns for the entire season. That's good for 108th in the nation. I'd say that's well below average.

I figured so, but you're right, should have made that more clear.

Overall, our special teams are pretty decent.

Yes, they're decent. Could be pretty freaking good if the punt return unit averaged more than three yards per return, though. I guess it's kind of a relief to hear that the reason it's been so bad is because of a scheme, and not because the guys just have no idea what they're doing out there.