Why is Jeff Thomas still returning kickoffs?

[chrisRMNU]

The blocking has been atrocious on kick returns for a while now. It isn't a vision problem because he has housed a couple punt returns and showed great vision there. You could try someone else but they'll just get leveled by 4 unblocked defenders at the 15 yard line as well.

 

[brock]

Who else can we put out there? Deejay is too valuable as our main rb this year and Lingard, who I think would be great back there, is still injured..seems like he’s back there by default

Mark pope

 

[rok]

I'm aware of the blocking deficiencies but someone else may have better luck.

Osborne returned kickoffs at Buffalo.

 

[caneholic88]

Mark pope

Idk if he knows the playbook well enough yet to go back there but good shout

 

[HurricaneAce07]

I don't think lack of production on punt returns is an indictment of JT4. Punt return coverage has been suspect all year. We very rarely press the gunners and they always seem to be waiting for the fair catch 2 yards from Jeff. This is more an issue with how our special teams coaching/philosophy does very little to give the returner enough time to make a first move.

 

[Go Canes!!]

Just about every kickoff is a touchback.

So it’s not like it’s wearing him out to do it.

 

[NOLAcane34]

I like it when he fair catches punts inside the 10! Those are my favorite

 

[Salt]

Personally they need to try someone else on punts. There are times he could have fielded a punt and tried to make something happen. I think since the muff he just sits back and makes sure he catches it. I am sure there are a bunch of other guys that can fair catch the ball. Pointless having him back there if he doesn't at least try to make something happen. Those lack of hidden yards and changes of field position also hamper the offense.

 

[well docUmented]

if you watch our kick return team, we don't block anyone. Amateur special teams coaches...

It's crazy. Between them and the defense on int returns, none of them understand the concept of blocking DOWNFIELD!! They're always running backwards trying to block someone behind the **** play.

I loved how Jeff tried to hit the crease on the return against Virginia and got tackled by knowles and frierson who were running the wrong **** direction. As usual

 

[AUcane]

Who could we replace him with?

Give Pope a shot.

Sadly, there isn't another.

 

[JD08]

So now Jeff Thomas isn’t a good return man..oh my gawd

I took this as an opportunity to poke a little fun, not give a serious critique of kick/punt returns.

Other than that one fumble, he's done as well as can be expected in my opinion.

 

[88]

It's crazy. Between them and the defense on int returns, none of them understand the concept of blocking DOWNFIELD!! They're always running backwards trying to block someone behind the **** play.

I loved how Jeff tried to hit the crease on the return against Virginia and got tackled by knowles and frierson who were running the wrong **** direction. As usual

I was hoping someone with specials teams experience can break down our punt return philosophy. Right now we let about 6 players through on a free release to scream right down to the punt returner.

 

[mdpcane]

 

[well docUmented]

I was hoping someone with specials teams experience can break down our punt return philosophy. Right now we let about 6 players through on a free release to scream right down to the punt returner.

I've never understood why they do that. Its been going on for years. They don't even pretend to get in someone's way

 

[ScubaCane]

Kickoff returns are all but gone from the game anyway

 

[supersaiyanshel]

I'd like to see Pope back there mainly.

Id also really like to see us get back to recruiting specifically for a return specialist.

JTs been a disappointment there.

 

[JBCanes-NC]

He’s still returning kicks because he’s good at making it to the 20 and getting tackled by the 1st man

 

[kutz]

If a defender gets one hand on Thomas he is down, I’d like to see them start giving some reps to lingard to be honest.

 

[bosherthegreat]

Put murph back there

 

[Canesq]

If only Richard Gordon had eligibility left.

Lmao brought back memories... Or nightmares. It's stuff like that where it was confusing how someone is making six figures and thought that would work.