Jeff Thomas - is he hurting us on punting field position?

[jackbenimble71]

I just watched the Virginia game on tv (I was at the game). one thing I noticed in the last several games as well as this one is what we do in fielding punts. I don't understand why the coaches are having him fair catch the ball every time inside the 10? what am I missing? is there a reason why the coaches are not letting him move away and let the ball go into the end zone?

 

[OrangeBowlMagic]

Said it several times in the stadium Friday.

Totally moronic.

 

[4everlost]

I just watched the Virginia game on tv (I was at the game). one thing I noticed in the last several games as well as this one is what we do in fielding punts. I don't understand why the coaches are having him fair catch the ball every time inside the 10? what am I missing? is there a reason why the coaches are not letting him move away and let the ball go into the end zone?

Footballs are a funny shape. They don't always hit the ground and bounce forward. Sometimes they bounce backwards

 

[JD08]

It might have something to do with the fact that when we were backed up at the one yard line, we sht the bed and gave up a safety.

 

[561Cane]

8yd line is better than the 3 yd line.

 

[Go Canes!!]

We were saying the same thing at the game. There were definitely a couple of rockets he should have let go.

 

[SinisterCane]

Patke gonna Patke

 

[ddann]

Didn’t he fair catch one at the 4 yard line on Friday night?

You gain absolutely nothing by doing that. It makes zero sense.

 

[TotesMagotes]

This staff doesn't give a **** about special teams.

 

[NJshoreCane]

Old school wisdom WAS to set your heels at the 10.
If it goes over your head, let it go.

I don't know what new school wisdom is but under no circumstances should the ball be caught inside the 5.

 

[CountDookoo]

One of the biggest plays of the season is Thomas gift-wrapping UF a TD by muffing a punt at the 12 yard line when we had seized momentum. I too am amazed that he continues to field punts inside the 10-yard line. Another example of little to no coaching.

 

[Canegetright]

Didn’t he fair catch one at the 4 yard line on Friday night?

You gain absolutely nothing by doing that. It makes zero sense.

I think I saw that too, I was like wtf dude?! However, that Friday night happy hour pregame hindered my 20/40 vision.

 

[nuprin]

Yup was thinking the same thing...I believe he fair caught 2 within the 10 yard line against UVA.

 

[jackbenimble71]

It might have something to do with the fact that when we were backed up at the one yard line, we sht the bed and gave up a safety.

or like fumble it and they score a td. safe bet is to let it hit the ground

 

[scrantoncane]

He is also been timid on KRs, never taking them out of the end zone, even when we desperately need a play to be made.

I wouldn’t mind seeing someone else get a look as our primary PR and KR.

 

[OriginalGatorHater]

This is not on Jeff. This is on Patke. If Jeff was just doing this by himself Patke would have said something to him about it and if he continued to do it, he would get pulled. The fact that he continues to do this shows that Patke is calling for this.

 

[CTCANE]

Braxton Berrios was a highly underrated punt returner

 

[TemplarCane]

8yd line is better than the 3 yd line.

3-yard line is better than a muff and turnover.

 

[NorthFloridaCane]

Braxton Berrios was a highly underrated punt returner

Dude literally never muffed a punt here.

 

[CrooKs]

I haven't rewatched the game yet but I seem to recall that UVA defenders were all over him when he made the fair catches... He may be instructed to let it go if the coverage team isn't close but if they are there then catch so they don't down it around the one... This is all speculation on my part and if he is being told this I'm a torn. On one hand, yea you keep them from down inside the five but on the other you risk muffing it inside the ten. Who knows... Our return teams are asstastic and I would love to see someone other than Jeff returning kicks. He just doesn't have it...