Luke Johnson's News & Notes from Wednesday

[Rebel02]

I've scratched myself about this too. But, being you have to have an experienced ball handler taking punts, it's a terrible shift in fortune to muff or fumble, and it is an outstanding opportunity to get fantastic field position, or even take it to the house... I'm stoked about Elijah returning punts (and Montrel returning KOs).

Many will kick it either high and shallow for coverage, or they may avoid Elijah altogether and angle toward the sidelines... where he doesn't even take a hit. Either way, he becomes a fantastic special teams weapon. I feel pretty good about Zo taking the pill and delivering some ground and pound... having Elijah installed for a variety of double back sets, slide to the slot, etc options. But again, you can seriously change games with special teams... and I like Elijah returning punts.

And in each one of those punting situations (angling toward sideline, hang time), the punting team sacrifices field position. I look at this as a win-win. If the punter out kicks his coverage, Eli gets to do his thing. If he sacrifices distance for hang time, Broadway and company will have a short field to work with. None of the punters we will face this year are NFL caliber punters like Legatron, so it's like we will face someone who can kick it high and far.

[Just1More]

And in each one of those punting situations (angling toward sideline, hang time), the punting team sacrifices field position. I look at this as a win-win. If the punter out kicks his coverage, Eli gets to do his thing. If he sacrifices distance for hang time, Broadway and company will have a short field to work with. None of the punters we will face this year are NFL caliber punters like Legatron, so it's like we will face someone who can kick it high and far.

That's correct. I think the first two games are going to make every opponent seriously worried about out kicking coverage. And that should result in better field position. Those that risk deep kicks, well beyond coverage, are going to be in our highlight films.

[DocCajun]

And exactly who would he put back there to "take the injury risk" while still trying to win football games? I may not want to charge the hill with my best Marine... for fear of losing him... but if I want the hill... I send him. Great returns are game-changers.

I'm not knocking the question of risk versus reward. I just fall on the side of putting a couple of your absolute best athletes, with good hands, as returners. If we didn't have Zo as RB, we'd have to use someone other than Elijah.

There is likely no one better for the punt return job than Eli. There is no denying that. Frankly, it just scares me to have him back there with guys flying at him with a 40 yard headstart. But there is no doubt he can change a game with one special teams play.

But he can also change a game every time he touches the ball. I'm not qualified to make the call and I trust in HUD. But I'm still going to be nervous

[Cajun Soldier]

You want to hear stupid when my son was a Jr. at Comeaux our coach put our stud senior running back on the KICK OFF team not return I said kick off team. First play of the season he torn his knee up on the kick off team we never recovered from that situation all year. If we need him (Eli) play him on punt return if we don't lets not risk the season I only count 5 running backs on the roster.

[SiliconRed]

You want to hear stupid .... at Comeaux our coach...

That is how I used to describe Coach Long to people too.

[Boomer]

That is how I used to describe Coach Long to people too.

I would love to know the 5 fastest on our team---Yes I realize that straight on speed is different then a shifting elusive quickness, but I would think that Scott, EMcG, and Carter are right up there

-Does anybody know???

[CrappDaddy]

I would love to know the 5 fastest on our team---Yes I realize that straight on speed is different then a shifting elusive quickness, but I would think that Scott, EMcG, and Carter are right up there

-Does anybody know???

Sounds about right. I think Fusilier is pretty fast a well.

[CajunRage]

You want to hear stupid when my son was a Jr. at Comeaux our coach put our stud senior running back on the KICK OFF team not return I said kick off team. First play of the season he torn his knee up on the kick off team we never recovered from that situation all year. If we need him (Eli) play him on punt return if we don't lets not risk the season I only count 5 running backs on the roster.

I don't know who the coach is and don't care, but you do realize football is a contact sport right? Injuries happen. He could have done the same thing in practice the day before. Too many people consider a coaching decision the reason someone got hurt. Freak accidents happen. I watched a stud player from my high school blow out his knee getting out of his truck. The kid probably wanted to play kick off team. He was a running back. Kick off team was a chance to "light someone up". Hud has better credentials than any of us and if he decides to put McGuire on punt or kick returns because he thinks it gives us a better chance to win, then I'm all for it.

[sportsfanatic21]

EMG could score on a 70 yard run or on a 70 yard punt return...and the chances he could get hurt doing either one is exactly the same. The only way to maximize the talents of a special player is to have the ball in his hands as many times as possible. And the only way to keep them injury free is to keep them off the field.

As to the thought that the only reason you wouldn't want him out there returning punts is if there was no other options at RB, then why play him at RB? If he gets hurt there, you still have no other option. A punt return is a football play where you have a chance to score, just like a run or pass. You want your best guys with the ball in their hands.

If a guy has the skill set to be a great return man, use it. Reggie Bush, Percy Harvin, Tim Brown, Kevin Faulk, etc all were great return men in college and made game changing plays...whether they were on offense or as a returner.

[Boomer]

EMG could score on a 70 yard run or on a 70 yard punt return...and the chances he could get hurt doing either one is exactly the same. The only way to maximize the talents of a special player is to have the ball in his hands as many times as possible. And the only way to keep them injury free is to keep them off the field.

As to the thought that the only reason you wouldn't want him out there returning punts is if there was no other options at RB, then why play him at RB? If he gets hurt there, you still have no other option. A punt return is a football play where you have a chance to score, just like a run or pass. You want your best guys with the ball in their hands.

If a guy has the skill set to be a great return man, use it. Reggie Bush, Percy Harvin, Tim Brown, Kevin Faulk, etc all were great return men in college and made game changing plays...whether they were on offense or as a returner.

-----Coaches like to refer to this as touches which on the offensive side include----running the ball from a normal play (handoff, pitch, or direct snap), returner on KOs or punts, and pass receptions----So EMcG will have many touches and maybe from all the afore mentioned possibilities!!!