3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns?

09-15-2018, 08:44 AM

jeanpierre · 09-15-2018, 08:46 AM

BY NICK UNDERHILL | NUNDERHILL@THEADVOCATE.COM SEP 14, 2018 - 4:18 PM

Are the Saints getting what they want from the kickoff return unit? – Kevin Ionetta

It’s still early.

Teams are still figuring out how things are going to play with the new kickoff rules, though it should be settling down now.

Tommylee Lewis didn’t do a bad job last week. The Saints had three returns for 69 yards. Their 23-yard average would have placed eighth in the NFL last season right ahead of New Orleans, which averaged 22.9 yards per return.

Special teams coach Mike Westhoff said earlier this summer he would like to use Alvin Kamara on kickoff returns during the later portion of the season. Until then, it looks like Lewis has the inside track on the job.

This is probably a completely wacky idea, but it would be fun to see what Taysom Hill could do in that role. He’s one of the fastest guys on the team, and while it’s somewhat unclear how elusive he is as a runner, he could definitely knock people over and gain extra yards that way.

What’s the deal with Cam Meredith? – Joe S.

Cam Meredith is still working to make up for the time he missed this offseason.

It sounds like he’s healthy and has been practicing fully, but the wide receiver is still developing chemistry with quarterback Drew Brees. That could take some time, especially since playing in the slot requires a level of chemistry that is a little higher than it is on the outside.

Last week, Austin Carr started in the slot. He could potentially keep filling that role until Meredith is ready to take on a bigger role. Carr finished last week with two catches for 20 yards.

The Saints have to be hoping that moment comes sooner than later. Meredith has the potential to be the most dominant slot receiver the team has had since Marques Colston was in his prime. But he will only remain an idea until further notice.

On both deep TD plays to DeSean Jackson, the safety jumped an intermediate in-breaking route. Are the Saints so confident on their boundary CB play that they are hunting turnovers over technique? -- Ian Howard

I don’t think that is the case. On the first one, the safety got caught looking where he shouldn’t have been, which allowed Jackson to run free through the middle of the field, away from the boundary cornerbacks.

On the second one, I think the Buccaneers simply ran a route concept that did a good job of creating an opportunity against New Orleans’ quarters coverage. That is going to happen sometimes.

Even if that confidence existed, it shouldn’t until the cornerbacks regain it. Both Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley gave up more than they usually do. There probably isn’t reason for long-term concern, the season is still very young, but those players need to step it up this week.

Cleveland has some very good weapons. If the Saints play like they did last week, the Browns can and will make them pay.

dizzle88 · 09-15-2018, 09:58 AM

"Tommy Lee 2 yards" is on returns - so no

Cutting Brandon Tate and keeping TLL was pure stupidity.

Rugby Saint II · 09-15-2018, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by dizzle88

"Tommy Lee 2 yards" is on returns - so no

Cutting Brandon Tate and keeping TLL was pure stupidity.

Yeah! I'm still wondering why we kept two yards Tommy? Tate still looked much better....I guess we went cheap again!

jeanpierre · 09-15-2018, 05:48 PM

Jim Mora got to this point in his tenure where he'd bite his nose off to spite his face and the fact that fans and writers could predict the obvious...

Well, Payton just wants to show everyone he owns, runs the Saints and all his decisions are rubber-stamped...

RailBoss · 09-16-2018, 02:01 AM

Who do you think..I think I am....

Cruize · 09-16-2018, 09:01 AM

Take it at the 25. Avoid any injuries. Avoid any fumbles. Avoid any penalties. Drew can handle the rest.

billyt81 · 09-16-2018, 09:40 AM

When was the last time we had a good returner? Beer Man? Tyrone Hughes\Mel Gray. Best 3 Saints returners.

dizzle88 · 09-16-2018, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by billyt81

When was the last time we had a good returner? Beer Man? Tyrone Hughes\Mel Gray. Best 3 Saints returners.

We've had a few opportunities to have decent returners, Payton just cuts them all.

cmike · 09-16-2018, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by billyt81

When was the last time we had a good returner? Beer Man? Tyrone Hughes\Mel Gray. Best 3 Saints returners.

Courtney Roby the LAST good returner. Almost took one to the house in SB.

09-15-2018, 08:44 AM	#1
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09-15-2018, 08:46 AM	#2
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? BY NICK UNDERHILL \| NUNDERHILL@THEADVOCATE.COM SEP 14, 2018 - 4:18 PM Are the Saints getting what they want from the kickoff return unit? – Kevin Ionetta It’s still early. Teams are still figuring out how things are going to play with the new kickoff rules, though it should be settling down now. Tommylee Lewis didn’t do a bad job last week. The Saints had three returns for 69 yards. Their 23-yard average would have placed eighth in the NFL last season right ahead of New Orleans, which averaged 22.9 yards per return. Special teams coach Mike Westhoff said earlier this summer he would like to use Alvin Kamara on kickoff returns during the later portion of the season. Until then, it looks like Lewis has the inside track on the job. This is probably a completely wacky idea, but it would be fun to see what Taysom Hill could do in that role. He’s one of the fastest guys on the team, and while it’s somewhat unclear how elusive he is as a runner, he could definitely knock people over and gain extra yards that way. What’s the deal with Cam Meredith? – Joe S. Cam Meredith is still working to make up for the time he missed this offseason. It sounds like he’s healthy and has been practicing fully, but the wide receiver is still developing chemistry with quarterback Drew Brees. That could take some time, especially since playing in the slot requires a level of chemistry that is a little higher than it is on the outside. Last week, Austin Carr started in the slot. He could potentially keep filling that role until Meredith is ready to take on a bigger role. Carr finished last week with two catches for 20 yards. The Saints have to be hoping that moment comes sooner than later. Meredith has the potential to be the most dominant slot receiver the team has had since Marques Colston was in his prime. But he will only remain an idea until further notice. On both deep TD plays to DeSean Jackson, the safety jumped an intermediate in-breaking route. Are the Saints so confident on their boundary CB play that they are hunting turnovers over technique? -- Ian Howard I don’t think that is the case. On the first one, the safety got caught looking where he shouldn’t have been, which allowed Jackson to run free through the middle of the field, away from the boundary cornerbacks. On the second one, I think the Buccaneers simply ran a route concept that did a good job of creating an opportunity against New Orleans’ quarters coverage. That is going to happen sometimes. Even if that confidence existed, it shouldn’t until the cornerbacks regain it. Both Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley gave up more than they usually do. There probably isn’t reason for long-term concern, the season is still very young, but those players need to step it up this week. Cleveland has some very good weapons. If the Saints play like they did last week, the Browns can and will make them pay.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

09-15-2018, 09:58 AM	#3
dizzle88 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11,208	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? "Tommy Lee 2 yards" is on returns - so no Cutting Brandon Tate and keeping TLL was pure stupidity. Rugby Saint II and rezburna like this.

09-15-2018, 04:30 PM	#4
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,052	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? Originally Posted by dizzle88 "Tommy Lee 2 yards" is on returns - so no Cutting Brandon Tate and keeping TLL was pure stupidity. Yeah! I'm still wondering why we kept two yards Tommy? Tate still looked much better....I guess we went cheap again! dizzle88 likes this.

09-15-2018, 05:48 PM	#5
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? Jim Mora got to this point in his tenure where he'd bite his nose off to spite his face and the fact that fans and writers could predict the obvious... Well, Payton just wants to show everyone he owns, runs the Saints and all his decisions are rubber-stamped...

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09-16-2018, 02:01 AM	#6
RailBoss 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South Of The Mason Dixon Line Posts: 7,113	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? Who do you think..I think I am.... Attached Thumbnails

09-16-2018, 09:01 AM	#7
Cruize 1000 Posts + Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4,457	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? Take it at the 25. Avoid any injuries. Avoid any fumbles. Avoid any penalties. Drew can handle the rest.
Cruize 1000 Posts + Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4,457

09-16-2018, 09:40 AM	#8
billyt81 1000 Posts + Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Metairie Posts: 1,129	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? When was the last time we had a good returner? Beer Man? Tyrone Hughes\Mel Gray. Best 3 Saints returners.

09-16-2018, 10:03 AM	#9
dizzle88 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11,208	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? Originally Posted by billyt81 When was the last time we had a good returner? Beer Man? Tyrone Hughes\Mel Gray. Best 3 Saints returners. We've had a few opportunities to have decent returners, Payton just cuts them all.

09-16-2018, 11:03 AM	#10
cmike 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gulfport Posts: 1,427	Re: 3-and-out: Are the Saints getting what they want from kickoff returns? Originally Posted by billyt81 When was the last time we had a good returner? Beer Man? Tyrone Hughes\Mel Gray. Best 3 Saints returners. Courtney Roby the LAST good returner. Almost took one to the house in SB.

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