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Archer: Do you keep Dez Bryant as punt returner?
Do you keep Dez Bryant as punt returner?
August, 21, 2012
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
SAN DIEGO – The Cowboys' plan is for Dez Bryant to be their main punt returner in 2012, but should they reconsider after he came up with a case of patella tendinitis?
Is Dez too valuable to the offense to risk playing him on special teams?
The Cowboys averaged only 7.1 yards per punt return last year, and Bryant averaged fewer than that (6.9 yards) after scoring on two punt returns as a rookie. But the Cowboys felt Bryant would be better by practicing it more in the summer. Field position is a huge story of every game and can make a difference in scoring points.
The Cowboys have shown in the last few years they can pile up yards, but the points haven’t necessarily followed. Having shorter distances to cover to get in scoring position should help.
But can Bryant stay healthy enough to handle all he has to handle at receiver and as a punt returner? He struggled early last season with a bruised quadriceps. He had an assorted number of nagging injuries as a rookie and broke his ankle on a kick return.
This is one of those no-win questions for Jason Garrett.
If Bryant gets hurt on a punt return, Garrett will be asked why Bryant was out there in the first place. If the team struggles on punt returns, Garrett will be asked why Bryant wasn't out there.
It’s football, and injuries happen.
The Cowboys should keep Bryant as their main returner, but be somewhat judicious in how they use him. When they are in a fair-catch situation, let somebody else handle it.
Do you keep Dez Bryant as punt returner?
August, 21, 2012
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
SAN DIEGO – The Cowboys' plan is for Dez Bryant to be their main punt returner in 2012, but should they reconsider after he came up with a case of patella tendinitis?
Is Dez too valuable to the offense to risk playing him on special teams?
The Cowboys averaged only 7.1 yards per punt return last year, and Bryant averaged fewer than that (6.9 yards) after scoring on two punt returns as a rookie. But the Cowboys felt Bryant would be better by practicing it more in the summer. Field position is a huge story of every game and can make a difference in scoring points.
The Cowboys have shown in the last few years they can pile up yards, but the points haven’t necessarily followed. Having shorter distances to cover to get in scoring position should help.
But can Bryant stay healthy enough to handle all he has to handle at receiver and as a punt returner? He struggled early last season with a bruised quadriceps. He had an assorted number of nagging injuries as a rookie and broke his ankle on a kick return.
This is one of those no-win questions for Jason Garrett.
If Bryant gets hurt on a punt return, Garrett will be asked why Bryant was out there in the first place. If the team struggles on punt returns, Garrett will be asked why Bryant wasn't out there.
It’s football, and injuries happen.
The Cowboys should keep Bryant as their main returner, but be somewhat judicious in how they use him. When they are in a fair-catch situation, let somebody else handle it.
