Chad Simpson Expected to Return Kickoffs

For those hoping to see a bit more of Sam Giguere on kickoff returns, sorry to inform you that Chad Simpson will retain this position, according to comments Polian made yesterday:

Chad, of course, had a kickoff return for a touchdown against Jacksonville and he'll be back there returning kickoffs in the playoffs.

I personally think this is better... why mess with what has been a reliable part of special teams? Simpson's no barn burner but I'd rather have the ball at the 20 - or even the 10 - every single time than give it up to the opponent at our 30 (or worse).

over 2 years ago LovinBlue 11 comments 0 recs |

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Yes, it's the safe move, if a little disappointing.

How are Cundiff’s KOs, anyway? is he a boomer or a 5 yard line guy…? That could play into it as well. If he kicks it 5 yards deep most of the time and a touchback is likely, might as well go with the safe choice….. just thinking out loud.

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Jan 12, 2010 1:19 PM EST reply actions

A very quick glance at NFL.com

reveals that Cundiff has had ONE touchback all year (against Buffalo), 2 last year, and 3 the year before. The average kickoff is 62.6 yards, with an average of 20.5 yards’ return. Guess that means that most teams start their drives at their own 28 yard line?

Not surprisingly, the Colts were one of the least prolific return teams, averaging only 17.3 yards on returns against the Ravens. The best was Pittsburgh, who averaged 32.3.

http://www.nfl.com/players/billycundiff/profile?id=CUN046143

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Jan 12, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

I'll take the Human Touchback.

He secures the ball pretty well. Just, please, PLEASE get us to the 20 – that’s all I ask.

/bad memories of being pinned inside the 10 last playoffs.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 1:41 PM EST reply actions

I'm agree

It’s sad when you want your return man to get to at least the 20 yard line. Man, what would I do if the Colts’ had the field position the Patriots had on Saturday…

Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!

by KMR24 on Jan 12, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Is it me

Or does it seem like our Kickoff Returns are significantly better than our Punt Returns? I don’t blame this on our returner, I blame this on the blocking upfront. I feel that we don’t do a good enough job giving our returner an opportunity to get anything close to a full head of steam…lots of fair catches and lots of very very short returns.

by Z.Pain on Jan 12, 2010 3:11 PM EST reply actions

Fuck

why not give Sam a shot? If he fucks it up….yank him out. But he looked good against the Bills

Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!

by coltsfan723 on Jan 12, 2010 4:47 PM EST reply actions

It'd be one thing

if this were a non-division game early in the season, but why screw with what has been at least serviceable throughout the year… for the first game of the playoffs? against a hard-hitting team like the Ravens?

While I wonder what Sam could do, I think it wiser to stick with what we got.

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Jan 12, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe they'll rotate Sam and Chad?

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
"As I grow older, the list of people who can kiss my ass grows longer"-Ancient Hoosier Proverb.

by Indy Lori on Jan 13, 2010 3:13 PM EST reply actions

That would be very unorthodox.

"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.

by Cassieper on Jan 13, 2010 9:06 PM EST up reply actions

Why?

They’ve rotated return men before haven’t they. Or maybe I’m getting punt returners and kick off returners mixed up?

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
"As I grow older, the list of people who can kiss my ass grows longer"-Ancient Hoosier Proverb.

by Indy Lori on Jan 14, 2010 9:24 AM EST up reply actions