Pope can not return another punt

[Martycane]

Actually, on kickoffs, he shows good burst, certainly more than Thomas did last year.

 

[JgDaCane]

Give me the highest IQ RB, CB, or WR we have. Idc about returns. I care about not fumbling & make fair catches in the right situations. That’s it.

 

[Turnoverchaincane]

That is all!

He's definitely put himself on a short leash. Dude just needs to take one to the house and he'll be aight.

Go Canes!!!!!

 

[PresaCane]

Pope is too light out there but I do believe he will take one to the house before seasons end. He has the skill set but unable to stay on his feet after contact. Restrepo may be a good option but he seems to be very risky but high reward.

 

[MiamiVice7]

Only part of the game I got frustrated about. He already had his mulligan, can’t do it twice (especially not in just 3 games). It’s simply unacceptable, and if we’re trying to establish a standard, then you have to draw a line. That kind of stuff shouldn’t fly here anymore. Period.

 

[Jedi Master Cane]

Pope is an absolute liability right now on punts. It would be pure negligence to have him back there in a game against an opponent like Clemson.

We take guys like Berrios for granted until the roster doesn't have a similar replacement for him.

 

[SayWhat]

This **** that he's mentally weak, freezes up, that's gotta go.

He's just inexperienced at it. He's gotta learn what to do and when to do it. He's not a natural at it, may get replaced, and very well could've been great at it in practice. It's a different animal though when you're not playing your teammates and friends.

Yesterday, that was him pressing to make a play when there wasn't one to be made. It wasn't him freezing up, he wouldn't have gone after it if he froze. It wasn't him being mentally weak, just a poor decision.

Another he fielded quickly last game, he needed to just make a decision, go with it. He danced around back there, it went nowhere. Another return where he went mostly straight, he showed his burst and made a good return.

I don't know if he'll get there or not, guess we'll see. I haven't been on the Pope train, always said he has the body of a high school freshman, but he's shown some flashes this year. If he can just remember to take what's there, he should be alright. When he starts pressing to do more than he should, it gets scary.

 

[U Know]

I mean, the GOAT punt returner happens to be an alum...have the Chief of Staff give him a call. A lil OJT.

 

[P-Tizzle]

There’s a “feel” aspect to returning punts. Do you let it bounce? Field it? Fair catch? Is there a wall? Where is the wall? Pope seems to not have that “feel” to the position. Personally I think he should be removed. A muff punt WILL cost Miami a game.

 

[4everlost]

I mean, the GOAT punt returner happens to be an alum...have the Chief of Staff give him a call. A lil OJT.

GEEZ! You cannot OJT what The Alien had, or did. He returned punts and kickoffs as easy as breathing.

 

[mikemike]

Pope is terrible at being a PR

that is all

If he is back there for the Clemson game i
Expect him to f up

until proven otherwise

 

[MiamisMoperiestMopes]

He also dropped the “kickoff” from Borregales as the whole team was gathered around him In The end zone to conclude pre game warm ups.

id like to see what someone else can do at this point.

 

[Angry Ibis]

Pope is an absolute liability right now on punts. It would be pure negligence to have him back there in a game against an opponent like Clemson.

We take guys like Berrios for granted until the roster doesn't have a similar replacement for him.

He and KJ were too boring for us because they weren’t Hester.

 

[MizCane]

We cannot makes those mistakes vs Clemson.

It’s unfair to throw Restrepo back against Clemson in his first meaningful playing time especially as critical as PR is.
After game 1 when Pope muffed one and throw in his drops he just doesn’t have it. He’s a decent possession receiver but I do not trust his hands one bit. We are playing with Fire with him back there in a close game.

 

[nickster]

i hope Pope is not the best we have because he is a liability, I hope many of you now know that it is IMERATIVE to catch & protect the ball first. Now some of you realize how good Braxton Beririos really was.

 

[SFbayCane]

It’s not that he made a mistake...it is that he just doesn’t look comfortable out there.

Agreed.


This is where I am on the issue as well. Its not a punitive opinion because of his mistakes, its that he just doesnt look comfortable being back there.

 

[Colombie]

I am hoping this thread ends up like the Chaney is not impressive thread.

But honestly I think it may have to be Restrepo in the first half and Hall in the second.

 

[OldhamA]

Seemed like they force fed him multiple throws last after the fumble.

Imo they aren’t ready to give up on him. He’ll be out there against Clemson.

They're absolutely forcing the ball to him - I suspect they realise it's a confidence thing with Pope.

They're trying to turn him into a player.

 

[NicKane]

Actually, on kickoffs, he shows good burst, certainly more than Thomas did last year.

Then keep him on kick off and put someone else on punt return with a glimmer of football IQ and sure hands. Smh

 

[CashMoneyCane]

I'm confused as to why @miamicanephins hasn't showed up here with his prolific knowledge as to why Pope should stay returning kicks and isn't soft.

It's really strange to me how this entire thread agrees with what I've been saying since UAB, but he's not here to fight any of you on it.

I'll assume your absence is the result of an epic breastfeeding session.