Will Jerious Norwood Be Returning Kicks This Year?

by Dave Choate on Jul 3, 2008 1:54 AM EDT in Falcons News

The answer to that question is a resounding "maybe."

Tucked away in this Official Site story about the special teams is a mention that Jerious Norwood, Brent Grimes and possibly Thomas Brown are all running against our favorite special teams whupping boy from last year, Mr. Adam Jennings. Jennings is squarely on the roster bubble at this point and is going to need a terrific training camp to keep his job, which is as it should be. It would seem to me that Norwood has the best shot as the backup running back with legs like Road Runner; he's valuable to this team, but he won't be a starter like Grimes and his agility makes him well-suited to the role.

I have nothing against Adam Jennings, but I've said all along that his special teams role is really what keeps him on this team. If he can't hack it there, the Falcons have more than enough options at receiver to justify getting rid of him. That'd be a shame, but in this league you've got to make the best of your opportunities.

My best guess is Norwood, with Thomas Brown serving as a second kick returner. What's your guess?

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From someone that knows B. Grimes, I have seen him do both KO & Punt Returns and some have left me scratching my head, he is a football freak. (smile)

by Debilah on Jul 3, 2008 8:50 AM EDT reply actions

Hard to argue against Norwood

With his proven talent in the open field and status on the RB depth chart, you almost have to let him return kicks just to give him more touches.

Lifetime, he’s averaged 25.2 yds on KO returns, better than all but 3 teams last year. According to NFL.com, he’s NEVER fumbled a KO return, either! Pretty outstanding.

I hope the coaches are careful not to overuse him, though. Used properly, he could be a tremendous weapon on offense. Norwood has a history of nagging minor injuries, and his durability is slightly questionable IMO. Let’s not wear him out! The Falcons could be returning a LOT of kickoffs this year.

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

by tom slick on Jul 3, 2008 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

All for it

Norwood is a big play guy. I have always thought that the return game was an undervalued part of the game. There is just something about a huge kick/punt return that tends to change a game. Norwood is our home run hitter, a huge return is like a grand slam. I am excited to see what he can do.

In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.

by runningback on Jul 4, 2008 12:31 AM EDT reply actions