Kyle Wilson Will Return Punts; Brad Smith on Kickoffs

by John B on Aug 5, 2010 11:01 PM EDT

Rod Boone gives us the scoop on some key aspects of the kicking game.

Mike Westhoff said rookie CB Kyle Wilson (that's @therealKDUB20 to you) is his punt returner and Brad Smith will return kickoffs.

This should be exciting. The Jets didn't really get much out of the punt return game last year. Jim Leonhard wasn't great. Jerricho Cotchery provided steady hands but wasn't terribly elusive. Things were rough enough for the Jets to toy with Darrelle Revis back there a few times and giving many of us upset stomachs in the process. Wilson was a dynamic return guy in college.

Smith is the incumbent on kickoffs. He has been a good fit due to his open field running ability. I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe McKnight and Wilson run some kicks back also.

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Awesome. Rex had me worried with the way he talks up Leonard returning punts.

I like Leonard and all, but he sucks returning punts. Wilson looks like he could be dynamic back there.

Smith returning kicks is the obvious choice. McKnight will probably get some touches, but I want to see Cro back there. The Spider can fly.

by Crackback on Aug 5, 2010 11:29 PM EDT reply actions

I like it

Way to get the kid more and more involved. Good value for our #1 pick.

España 2010 Campenoes del Mundo!!!

by Togaman7 on Aug 5, 2010 11:33 PM EDT reply actions

Great move....

I don’t think Leonard was ever meant to return punts, and honestly his value in the secondary overrides potential injuries on those returns.

This is a really good move to get Wilson involved in the offense quickly. And anyone who undervalues the importance of returns has forgotten the Dolphins games of 2009.

Something to think about as Togaman7’s team won the world cup. Spain received AS A TEAM $30 million. Compare that to Revis’s demands. Different sport, but Revis is out of line. And soccer haters, don’t waste your time answering.

by oldskooljet on Aug 6, 2010 6:56 AM EDT reply actions

The only thing I would say to qualify that is players don’t make their fortunes on international competitions. They do on their club teams, where salaries are much higher.

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by John B on Aug 6, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions

good point

Soccer players make as much money from their clubs as any sports figures here in the states. The $30 million was just a bonus, a thank you for the win.

España 2010 Campenoes del Mundo!!!

by Togaman7 on Aug 6, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

You have to be great in all aspects of football to win the Superbowl

If the defense and offense is full of studs, to get production out of special teams is a major bonus. If he’s good, he could be the difference in one if not two games this season.

by BIG OH!!!!! on Aug 6, 2010 7:41 AM EDT reply actions

About time...

Leonard was awful, the only thing you could trust was he wouldn’t drop it, and absolutely get no where. Cotch wasn’t much better.

I would like to see both McKnight and Wilson get a shot at KR, I know Smith did well last year, but he doesn’t look like he really has the speed for it.

by Judgegavel on Aug 6, 2010 8:34 AM EDT reply actions