Should Sam Shields return kicks?

[Jess]

Hear me out.

Jordy Nelson isn't any better, reliability wise, at returning kicks. The reason Shields isn't doing it is because of his struggles in the preseason. I think those struggles can be attributed to nervousness and anxiety. Now that he's made the team and doesn't have to worry about that, I say give the kid another shot. Jordy was the safe pick for KR, and I understand that, but guess what? He isn't safe. He damn near fumbled away the game against Detroit. So, if we're going to put someone back there, why not try Shields again? He's just as much risk as Nelson, and the payoff is so much larger because he's FAR more explosive than Nelson can ever hope to be.

 

[Kitten]

I say go for it! What have we to lose at this point and it could prove to be huge!

 

[Powarun]

I would be happy with it. I am sick of Nelson slowing down once he reaches the 30.

 

[PackersRS]

NO FREAKING WAY!!!!! Shields fumbles returns once every half attempt.

 

[Jess]

NO FREAKING WAY!!!!! Shields fumbles returns once every half attempt.

I'm thinking (see: hoping) that the fumbles in the preseason were a result of the pressure of trying to make the team as an undrafted free agent. And at least at the beginning of the preseason it seemed Shields only path to making the team was as a return specialist, which put a ton of pressure on him with every return.

Now that he's made the team and that pressure's off, I'm thinking the fumble problem might go away.

 

[PackersRS]

I'm thinking (see: hoping) that the fumbles in the preseason were a result of the pressure of trying to make the team as an undrafted free agent. And at least at the beginning of the preseason it seemed Shields only path to making the team was as a return specialist, which put a ton of pressure on him with every return.

Now that he's made the team and that pressure's off, I'm thinking the fumble problem might go away.

I don't know man. He has as much pressure playing CB in the preseason, and he performed extremely well.

Fielding kicks is trully an unique thing. You have to take into account the kickers' leg, the wind, the trajectory of the ball...

Some people just don't have the coordination to do it.

He not only fumbled returns, he muffed them. Separate problems.

 

[Jess]

I'm not advocating he return punts, by the way. Just kickoffs. As much as I'm thinking the fumble problem could be confidence related, I doubt the inability to catch the ball in a crowd is related to confidence. Luckily, there are no crowds on kickoffs.

 

[Chop0Suey]

Once Al Harris is healthy, I think they should give him a shot. The dude is blazing fast.

 

[dogpackerz]

not at all...
he's a rookie playing CB for the 1st year of his life. at the NFL level. let him worry only about that. he couldnt even catch a punt or kickoff in practice, scrimmage or preseason

 

[SpartaChris]

I have no problem with Shields on the PR, but I doubt it happens this season. His fumblitis problems in pre-season were far greater than anything Jordy is going through right now.

However, I would be OK giving him a shot in the regular season here or there, but only if the game becomes out of reach in our favor. Otherwise I think it's too big a gamble to take.

 

[BBalzWI]

Once Al Harris is healthy, I think they should give him a shot. The dude is blazing fast.

Too risky of a position to have a returning knee rehab take potential pummeling hits.

We're already short at the DB position, I dont want to risk anymore injury to someone we very much will need as the season goes on.

 

[Big Dan]

I may be in the minority, but I'm pretty happy with Nelson returning kicks. From all accounts, the fumbles against the Lions were an anomaly, and unlikely to continue. His net return yards have also been a helluva lot better than what we've experienced for the last few years. Lastly, from what I've seen thus far, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him take a few to the house. A lot of 'em looked like he only had to beat one last guy, or like the blocking just had to seal off that one last guy. He's definitely got the speed to go to the house if he gets a lane, even if only briefly.

It's also early in the year, and I remember hearing or reading somewhere that we've adopted an entirely new scheme as far as Special Teams goes. While things haven't been great, it looks like there is definitely improvement over last year; and hopefully, as they get more comfortable within this new scheme, things will continue to improve. Please note the accent on hopefully.

 

[Murgen]

Should Same Shields return kicks?

Would you want to be Ray Lewis' neighbor and accidentally run over his prized azaleas with your lawn mower?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's not a good idea.

 

[Cardsmc25]

To anyone advocating that Jordy keep the job, that just isn't feasible at this point. When he started the year and broke those long returns, he showed no fear. His strides were fairly long and strong. Starting in the Chicago game, he started to break down when he started to reach traffic. This is very similar to how he handled kicks last season. I don't think he will fumble that frequently, but he is definitely gun shy. And honestly, who of us wouldn't be... I'm just saying that there are guys on that team more capable then him.

To the Shields haters... I don't disagree with you, but I don't really agree with you. He certainly hurt any trust in him during the preseason, that is fine. But then who would you want back there? You just said "No Freaking way", but didn't say who it should be. In my eyes, Shields at least deserves some reps in practice and possibly a shot in games.

 

[Murgen]

I don't hate Shields (I'm rooting for him), I just have 0 confidence in him fielding kickoffs

 

[NelsonsLongCatch]

If Shields starts returning kicks, MM should be fired and immediately air mailed to Russia. Shields couldn't field punts in practice with no pressure. The last thing I want to see is a fumble or three.

PS. I never like Nelson returning kicks either.

 

[Mr. StyleZ]

I see guys drop kickoffs all the time. There's usually no one within 20 yards of you, if he muffs it at least there is plenty of time to recover it, and still time to take off..

You guys seem to think KR and PR are the same thing..

 

[PackersRS]

Would you want to be Ray Lewis' neighbor and accidentally run over his prized azaleas with your lawn mower?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's not a good idea.

It would be wise for anyone to stay away from Lewis, specially if he's carrying some sharp object.

 

[NelsonsLongCatch]

I see guys drop kickoffs all the time. There's usually no one within 20 yards of you, if he muffs it at least there is plenty of time to recover it, and still time to take off..

You guys seem to think KR and PR are the same thing..

Muffing a kick is muffing a kick. Either way the ball is on the ground.

Having the ball roll around the ground is bad. (See last week's game vs. Detroit)

 

[Jess]

Muffing a kick is muffing a kick. Either way the ball is on the ground.

Having the ball roll around the ground is bad.

Indeed. And Jordy Nelson had the ball rolling twice on Sunday. Once when it almost cost us the game.

 

[PackersRS]

Muffing a kick is muffing a kick. Either way the ball is on the ground.

Having the ball roll around the ground is bad. (See last week's game vs. Detroit)

Except that Nelson FUMBLED the ball, and not muffed it.

fumble you make the catch, but due to poor grip, looses the ball.

Muff you can't even catch the ball.

VERY different process.

 

[NelsonsLongCatch]

Except that Nelson FUMBLED the ball, and not muffed it.

fumble you make the catch, but due to poor grip, looses the ball.

Muff you can't even catch the ball.

VERY different process.

Alright. Let me rephrase. Fumbling or muffing a punt or kickoff is the worst possible turnover in a game. After your defense gets off the field, they need to go right back on.

I would like a returner who catches the ball cleanly and holds onto it.

 

[Packman Chant]

I say YES, do it. if he f's up put Jordy back. Never know unless you try. What if hes some miracle returner now and we dont know about it. Hmm i say its worth a shot. Id give em a chance. But i heard we just picked up some KR'er that is to be a very explosive player at the position i forget the name though.

 

[PackersRS]

Alright. Let me rephrase. Fumbling or muffing a punt or kickoff is the worst possible turnover in a game. After your defense gets off the field, they need to go right back on.

I would like a returner who catches the ball cleanly and holds onto it.

Agreed. I do think Jordy can do it, though. Maybe wishful thinking.

I say YES, do it. if he f's up put Jordy back. Never know unless you try. What if hes some miracle returner now and we dont know about it. Hmm i say its worth a shot. Id give em a chance. But i heard we just picked up some KR'er that is to be a very explosive player at the position i forget the name though.

Who is that, and where did you hear it?

 

[Murgen]

It would be wise for anyone to stay away from Lewis, specially if he's carrying some sharp object.

Only if you want to be an accomplice in your own murder that is. lol