blocking kicks

[RUich]

When we had NM pinned at their own goal line, we did not go after a block. I understand the pros and cons of this and the possible negatives of trying (ie penalties) as opposed to getting what should be great field position (not to mention Grant getting the punt).
However, it seems to me that we have not really gone after any of the punters in the three games. As being a national leader in blocks, have we decided to get away from this?

 

[Block R]

As being a national leader in blocks, have we decided to get away from this?

It would appear that way to me although Ash may also be trying to pick his spots whereas previously we went for the block a high percentage of the time. With Janarion back there to receive, it may be a better strategy to line up for a return. There is always the risk of a running into/roughing the kicker penalty going for the block.

 

[mdk01]

With respect to punts, my guess (with no inside information) is that they want maximize Grant's talents on the return. On the other hand, there seems to be a real drop off in attempting to block FGs.

 

[cicero grimes]

Speaking of blocked kicks, any word on Turay's return? He was in uniform but never got in the game last week, at least as far as I could tell.

 

[RUskoolie]

We have the best return man in 150 years of RU football. We better be setting up for a return almost every time.

 

[ashokan]

Schiano and his hot sauce defensive style were key to blocks. I know various assistant coaches usually get the credit (Robb Smith got it but blocks came under Rossie too) but RU's blocks spanned a bunch of them going back to 2006-7 when the 4 per season streak started. Greg thought dynamically about leverage, weaknesses and pressure points (just a few inches mattered). Players didn't just line up and go thru the motions. They studied how to make the blocks happen. Jamal Merrell put things well

"It’s a mentality,’’ Merrell said. "We take special teams as serious as offense and defense and I think it shows on the field. We just don’t accept the fact a team is going to kick a field goal or extra point or punt the ball.

"Some teams just get into the habit of letting the opponent do that but we don’t do that here.’’

And when the Knights hear that second thump, the sweet sound of a blocked kick, it’s music to their ears and often a death blow to the opposition.

"When a team gets a punt blocked, it’s like popping a balloon with a needle, it deflates the whole team,’’ Warren said. "It’s huge.’’

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2012/10/rutgers_is_the_gold_standard_f.html


Former head coach Greg Schiano emphasized special teams during his early years at Rutgers, when the program was at a near-weekly talent disadvantage...

The reason why we’re good at special teams is we put an emphasis on it and we’re very precise with our alignments and assignments,” Cioffi said.

"We see a lot of tendencies that different teams do and we use it to our advantage. If we can take an element of the game out of the game, it can help us out a lot. We take a lot of satisfaction from that.”

http://www.app.com/story/sports/col...ng-special-teams-get-building-block/74065902/

 

[ChasRC69]

We have the best return man in 150 years of RU football. We better be setting up for a return almost every time.

My guess, based upon last year, is that when we play B1G teams with good punters, there will be primarily fair catches with very few return attempts. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[knightfan7]

Even with RU's past success, it's still not something that happens very much. I'd guess Ash feels giving Grant maximum blocking is the better option more often.

 

[miketd1]

Ash is basically saying he has more faith in a big return than a blocked punt.

Given Grant's track record, I tend to agree.

 

[rubaseball78]

When we had NM pinned at their own goal line, we did not go after a block. I understand the pros and cons of this and the possible negatives of trying (ie penalties) as opposed to getting what should be great field position (not to mention Grant getting the punt).
However, it seems to me that we have not really gone after any of the punters in the three games. As being a national leader in blocks, have we decided to get away from this?

For this game, we were successful in pinning them on the goal line with the intention of getting the ball back with good field position. We accomplished a 3 and out. The play was to not go for the block (don't risk a running into kicker penalty) and set up a return. When teams are pinned against the goal line, the punter is not as far back so more susceptible to a block. Kicking team generally plays a tighter formation meaning that can't cover the kick as well, again leading to better field position. While a block kick would have been a flashier play, playing for a good return and field position was the right call (unless of course kicker pulled a Jet Steve O'Neal 98 yard punt).

 

[Kbee3]

Ash is basically saying he has more faith in a big return than a blocked punt.

Given Grant's track record, I tend to agree.

Uh......yeah.
The other team kicking the ball to Grant is RU's #1 threat. Maybe when teams decide to kick away from him it'll be a wise move to go for the blocked punt.

 

[ashokan]

Ok say not blocking punts has some logic to it. RU doesn't really block FG anymore either. RU beat Navy and Michigan blocking a FG. Scored a TD off a block at Syracuse. I also recall a blocked kick keading to a TD vs UConn in 2006 but that might have been a punt. In any case, if Grant wasn't the excuse U wouldn't be blocking kicks the same way anyway. Door is shut on all that. The craft is lost - like plaster cornices or something from the olden days

 

[newwavedave1]

Two words, Janarion Grant.

 

[RUsince52]

It would appear that way to me although Ash may also be trying to pick his spots whereas previously we went for the block a high percentage of the time. With Janarion back there to receive, it may be a better strategy to line up for a return. There is always the risk of a running into/roughing the kicker penalty going for the block.

I wouldn't risk it from the end zone and give the other team a cheap first down unless the game was on the line. The offensive line has to hold their blocks longer and if we just hold up the wideouts a little, we should have an opportunity to return it. At worst , decent field position. We should probably rely on Grant vs the block. He's are best weapon.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

My guess, based upon last year, is that when we play B1G teams with good punters, there will be primarily fair catches with very few return attempts. Hope I'm wrong.

Spit-On. Grant's punt return last week was ALL him. Our punt return team, otherwise, is awful. 3-5 defenders practically on top of him every other punt so far. Point? It's either all or nothing now on ST's. Why? Lousy recruiting the last 4 years.