Adam Jennings Lost Punt Return Job In Eagles Game

by Dave Choate on Nov 4, 2008 8:00 AM EST in Editorial

If you're like me, you were wondering what happened to Adam Jennings on Sunday. Some of you may have thought that I followed through on my angry promises and abducted him, keeping him in a comfortable yet heavily-guarded condo at the base of a volcano. Luckily, I didn't have to do that much work.

It seems that the coaching staff had given Jennings a very long leash, and even after evaluating the return game during the bye week the team somehow decided he was still an option to return. His bizarre attempt to get a hand on the Eagles punt that led to a demoralizing penalty must have cost him his job, because he was inactive against the Raiders. Here's what Mike Smith had to say, according to the AJC:

“We made a change,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Anytime you make a change, you go through an evaluation process. We felt like for us and where we are at right now that we needed to make that change.”

This raises the obvious question of who is taking over the job long-term. Jennings himself is no lock to still have a roster spot a couple weeks out, not when the Falcons could probably grab a guy off the scrap heap who could contribute more value as a pure receiver. For now, it looks like lightning-fast rookie Harry Douglas will assume the duties. He's the obvious and probably best choice, but if he should ever emerge as a key cog of the offense they'll have to look elsewhere.

I'm happy with the change to Douglas, and I'm happy that my only major gripe with this coaching staff has finally been resolved. Best of luck to Adam Jennings wherever he goes, but may the deity of your choice keep him from ever returning for the Falcons again.

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Thank my deity that Jennings wasn't on the field Sunday...

But let me say…there was no punt return at all on Sunday. Sure, that Oakey punter is something else but neither Finneran or Douglas did anything on the return. Matter of fact, did any punt get caught? I think Douglas may have caught one of them but I know Finneran didn’t.

Let’s get a punt return specialist!

"The nice thing about supporting a bedraggled-cum-decent team? Watching all those analysts eat their words."

by Adam Schultz on Nov 4, 2008 10:53 AM EST reply actions

I think Douglas caught a couple, I know at least the first one he did.

This is nice to hear as when they showed Jennings on the sidelines during the game he was in sweats so I was worried rather than a realizing Jennings sucks thing that this was an injury thing. It is nice to hear that in addition to any injury, they also realize he sucks and are moving in a different direction.

My Music Blog: DBF

by BVaz on Nov 4, 2008 11:21 AM EST reply actions

All I have to say is...

It is about time. I think Douglas will do a great job. And to be honest, i don’t really mind the lack of returns. Sure 10 – 15 yards from the end of the punt would be great, but i’ll take just getting the ball without any problems.

If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
-Bo Jackson

by Pregame with Pabst on Nov 4, 2008 1:37 PM EST reply actions

But when we’re starting from our own 6 yard line, a nice 10-15 yard return would be nice if we’re facing a tougher defense.

"The nice thing about supporting a bedraggled-cum-decent team? Watching all those analysts eat their words."

by Adam Schultz on Nov 4, 2008 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

Relieved

that the coaches saw the light. To have let him keep that job would have reflected very negatively on the coaching staff IMO. I’m gratified that Smitty and Co. continue to push the correct buttons.

Hope Douglas keeps his brain engaged, unlike Jennings. Not sure if he’s a highly competent punt returner, but if he can avoid mistakes that will suit me fine until we can get someone in the offseason. Go Falcons!

"There's no such word as 'quit' in swamp buggy racing, Marigold"

by tom slick on Nov 4, 2008 3:50 PM EST reply actions

Thoughts on a kick/punt returner we coulds sign?

Although speculation about this might be worthless. The coaching staff will probably pluck some random off the street, which might not be a bad idea. At least he’ll be better than Jennings.

I have to admit I was stoked when Jennings got drafted a few yrs back. After all, he was an exciting player in college. But he is overmatched and undersized in the NFL.

Let’s be done with him. You have to think the coaches/The Comrade might be holding back on cutting him in case a need (i.e., someone gets hurt) presents itself in the near future.

"You never know what I'm going to do..."
- Michael Vick (Palm Beach Post 11/6/2005)

by jamesrael on Nov 4, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions