It rarely loses yardage, and it gives the linemen great blocking angles on the defensive backs. However, it is unfair to expect those screens to break loose for touchdowns like they did last year. Defenses expect us to run it, and they will win some of the time defending it. We simply need to execute the screen when it is called because it can be a positive play for our team. I have always thought that returning kickoffs was a much easier thing to do than returning punts because there is not as much room for error on punts.
Kickoffs usually are easier to gauge in terms of distance and direction.
I like playing on grass as long as it is thick, low cut, grass. I am not a big fan of Soldier Field in that the grass is rarely stable under the player's feet. It is difficult to find good footing there as opposed to more modern fields like Tampa and Jacksonville where drainage is best. Glyn, your kick return production has clearly fallen off from last year. If there is one breakdown on a return, the entire play is affected.