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DEL.ICIO.USFinding relief for Rossum
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jim Mora hoped that during the preseason he could find a kickoff return specialist so Allen Rossum could focus on his strength — punt returns — and not hold dual return duties.
Atlanta drafted Michigan State running back DeAndra Cobb to become the kickoff return man and Cobb delivered a 101-yard touchdown return last week against Tennessee. However, Mora said that one return didn’t secure Cobb a roster spot.
Tonight, Rossum is scheduled to return kickoffs as well as punts. Though Cobb hasn’t been ruled out of the mix, that Rossum is being used on kickoff returns means that the Falcons might not be totally sold on the rookie.
Do you feel that Rossum provides the Falcons the best option in the overall return game or do you think he should just return punts? If you feel he is best suited solely as a punt returner, who should return kickoffs? Cobb, DeAngelo Hall, Roddy White? Anyone else?
Comments
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By L.J.
August 25, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this
Use D-Hall on occasion, but only when the opponent is punting out of their end-zone.
By L.J.
August 25, 2005 04:59 PM | Link to this
Oops, I misread the last paragraph. Use Cobb on kickoffs unless he screws up big time. No need to risk a starter or make Rossum do both.
By doc
August 25, 2005 05:50 PM | Link to this
give him double duty as he isnt a regular as are the other guys mentioned and he is one of the best. besides if the defense does their job he catches punts if they dont he catches kickoffs but it is hard to have to do both in the game of football. id prefer he have to do more punts.
By Brian
August 25, 2005 05:55 PM | Link to this
I’m just wondering, he just returned a kickoff for 101 yards, why wouldn’t you want to look at him for another game? Especially since you are looking to give Rossum relief. You know Rossum can do it, what advantage is there to letting Rossum do it in a preseason game when you need to be looking at others, especially Cobb?
By Jeff
August 25, 2005 06:42 PM | Link to this
Give Cobb a shot. Rossum isn’t quite as effective returning kickoffs, just check the stats. However, he’s the man when it comes to returning punts.
By Reid
August 26, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this
By Rod
August 26, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this
I say give it to Cobb. Mora stated Cobb didn’t have the field vision needed yet, but give him a chance and let him grow into the role. Rossum is awsome on punts, but it may be too much to ask him to do both. He would be a good KR, but why not give it to Cobb. One thing I don’t wanna see is D-Hall doing it. Not because he can’t, but if he is to be the dominating corner we want him to be, why put him out there and risk an injury? If injury is no concern, why not put Vick back there. He is able to shake any defender. Of course I’m not serious about putting Vick back there, I’m just trying to make a point.
By Reid
August 26, 2005 11:25 AM | Link to this
Ok let me try this again. D. Cobb is one of Mich State’s most productive kick returners in school history. Seeing that 101 yd return against the Titans proves he can also succeed at the NFL level. With our lack of depth at corner the falcons need to protect Rossum as much as possible. Yes Rossy is a play maker in the return game, but keep Cobb and you will see him develop into a play maker at kick return also.
By falcon guy
August 26, 2005 11:32 AM | Link to this
What it comes down to is numbers. If they don’t have concerns about other positions, like safety or corner or wide receiver, then keep Cobb and see what he can do. But if they need the roster spot as insurance at positions like the ones mentioned above, Cobb doesn’t fit any of those. So he’s one dimensional as far as I can tell. He’s not going to be a RB, as they have Dunn, Duckett, Griffith and that Wright kid (who’s looked okay). Plus Rossum is pretty well paid if I remember correctly. So why shouldn’t he do both? He aint earning his money at CB (that much is obvious by the way he was abused last night at JAX). He’s okay as a 4th CB, but it isn’t a significant contribution that they should worry about overuse on kickoffs.
By Andy
August 26, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this
I think that Rossum should focus on punts and CB. He especially needs to focus on CB because tall WR like Matt Jones will always be out there to go at him, so he needs to concentrate on his craft. If Cobb isn’t ready for the big time and can return kickoffs and play STs, then I’d say to let Roddy White try his hand at it.
By MWilk
August 26, 2005 08:32 PM | Link to this
I’ll take Falcon Guy’s comments even further. WHATEVER is done on kick-off returns, PLEASE keep Rossum away from the defense. He’s not strong enough at CB. Hopefully Jonte Buhl will make Sundays’ cut and will have another opportunity to show his already superior CB skills next week.