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Patriots weighing return options

August 14th, 2012 2:35 PM
  • Patriots-weighing-return-options
  • Florida Gators running back Jeff Demps runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

    • Ever since the New England Patriots released wide receiver and explosive kick returner Ben Tate at the start of the 2010 season, they have struggled to find an impact player in the return game. In terms of kickoff returns, New England ranked 29th in the league in 2011 (21.4 yard average) and 18th in 2010 (22.0). They’ve been better at returning punts but still took a big step back last season, dropping from 3rd in 2010 (13.4 yards) to 16th last season (10.2).

    Perhaps the bigger issue, however, is that the Pats don’t have an ideal player to bring back kicks. Julian Edelman is one of the better punt returners in the league, but he isn’t nearly as comfortable on kickoffs, which has left the Pats looking to running back Danny Woodhead for that duty. But Woodhead’s lack of foot speed makes it tough for him to break out any big returns, with his longest in 2011 being just 37 yards.

    Given that lack of success in the return game combined with what should be an increased workload in the running game, it would behoove the Pats to find another option to bring back kickoffs this season. However, there aren’t many other possibilities on the roster as it’s currently constructed, which has ESPN’s Mike Reiss suggesting an outside-the-box option.

    Former University of Florida running back and return man Jeff Demps just got back from the London Olympics, where he was part of the USA 4×100 relay team that won the silver medal. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport, Demps has signed a representation deal for football to pursue and NFL career, and could be an interesting addition to the Patriots’ or some other team’s return game.

    Demps went undrafted this past April because he had been planning on being a full-time track athlete, but has apparently changed his mind and could now be a steal as an undrafted free agent. The 5-9 track star averaged 28.8 yards per kickoff return during his collegiate career, and his silver medal is proof that he would possess as much, if not more, speed than anyone in the NFL.

    Early in the 2010 season, the Patriots’ kickoff return game was one of the most explosive in the NFL. Receiver Brandon Tate, a 2009 third-round pick, …

    Read the original post from espnboston.com

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