Why is Moss returning punts?

Every time they put Moss back there to return a punt I hold my breath and pray he's not injured. Im all for trying it in a big playoff game, i.e. Darrell Green vs. da Bears in the playoffs, but doesn't it seem mighty risky to put our best receiver out there for return duty?

That's because the other returners flat out suck, and offer no better chances to get a long return.

Ladell Betts simply finds the nearest pile of blockers and tacklers and rams into it, apparently forgeting that the object is to reach the endzone. And Thrash can be counted on for not fumbling the ball.

Those are our choices. At least Moss tries to make something happen. But you're right, I'd hate to lose him to an injury on our pathetic excuse for special teams. In the end though, you can't keep players from playing the game. Injuries are a part of football, and they're going to happen, but you've got to get your best players on the field that give you the best chance to win.

I don't have a problem with putting Moss back there a few times a game. The guy is a gamebreaker.

I don't have a problem with putting Moss back there a few times a game. The guy is a gamebreaker.
We're going to run headlong into the "Steve Smith" argument. I would say that, especially on that wet field, you can't risk the only credible deep threat on the team to injury. Our offense is improving, but I submit that losing Moss right now would be the worst thing that could happen to our offense. The difference between Moss and Patten is bigger than the difference between Portis and Betts, or even Brunell and Ramsey.

I'd be worried if Moss was back there returning kicks full-time. In that case I don't think it's worth risking him, but putting him back there in limited action isn't a bad thing in my opinion. We need something to overcome the poor blocking.

needs to be from time to time. but yesterday with the sloppy field was not the best time in my book. but as far as the sp teams go we are a work in progress. while we seem to be doing better on kick off's(for the most part) we aren't getting it done on the returns

We had decent returns on kickoffs. I think maybe to the 30+ yard line.

Because Coach Gibbs said to get back there and return the punt....nuff said in my book.

Ladell Betts simply finds the nearest pile of blockers and tacklers and rams into it, apparently forgeting that the object is to reach the endzone.

LOL, I thought I was the only one who noticed that.. He realizes that he is allowed to make a cut laterally on occasion, right? Ladell, you're going to get the first down by virtue of change of possession, you don't have to burrow for the extra yard!

I agree that Moss is our only big play threat back there but I still don't like it. We can't afford to get our best receiver killed. Let Thrash and Betts continue what they're doing - protecting the ball.