FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons returner/wide receiver Eric Weems made the Pro Bowl last season on special teams. He had 40 kickoff returns for a total of 1,100 yards and a touchdown, and he returned 18 punts for a total of 230 yards and a touchdown. Weems figures to play a big part on special teams again this season.
In a Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Weems discusses the ins and outs of returning kicks and the best part of making a would-be tackler miss.
Q: What has your NFL journey been like from the practice squad in 2008 to the Pro Bowl in 2010?
A: It was a patient journey. I was allowed to do things that I was able to do. I took my time. It was just a learning process. An opportunity presented itself, and I took advantage of that opportunity. Right now, I’m here. When I went to the Pro Bowl, it was a great time. I had fun, met some new guys, hung out and it was a blessing.
Q: What makes for a successful returner?
A: Patience. You can’t try to rush to catch the ball. You have to have patience to set up your blockers. It’s all about setting it up and having your blockers in the right position so you don’t get them a penalty. There a spot fouls now on special teams, so if you have a big return, they are going to move [the ball] all the way back. It’s all about patience.
Q: What are the biggest differences between returning a kickoff and returning a punt?
A: Punts are much harder. They are higher, and you never know how they are going to come down. They could come down straight or some flip flop or they have knuckle balls. Some kickers like to play with you. Punts are way harder.
Q: What’s your highlight from last season?
A: Tampa. Returning that kickoff [a franchise-record 102 yards for a touchdown], and we were down by 10 points. The air went out of the whole stadium. That’s when our offense kicked in, and we won the game.
Q: With the new kickoff rules, is there a difference in your decision-making process on whether to bring the ball out of the end zone?
A: There is no difference in my decision making. If it’s five or more yards deep, I’m going to keep it in. You still have to be smart back there. You can’t do anything to put your offense in a bad position.
Q: What’s the best advice you ever received from a football coach?
A: Continue to do what I do. He let me play ball and make the best decisions that I’m able to make.
Q: What’s the best thing about making a tackler miss?
A: After making them miss, seeing their faces when they get up. They make some weird faces, and they always say ‘I’m going to get you next time.’
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