When the Miami Dolphins released their depth chart on Tuesday, one of the interesting spots to look at was the return specialists.
Tyreek Hill is listed as the primary punt returner with Jaylen Waddle and Jevon Holland backing him up. On kick returns, Raheem Mostert is listed as the starter with Waddle, Chase Edmonds and Noah Igbinoghene behind him.
Many of those names are players with important roles on offense and defense, and it’s notable that Miami is planning on using those players in a phase of the game that some deem not as impactful.
On Wednesday, Mike McDaniel explained the decision to have guys like Hill, Waddle and Holland be involved in this aspect.
“Special teams plays account for yards and points and can change the game as much as any offensive or defensive play, so that being said, our plan is to be very strategic with regard to the flow of the game, how much wind people have, where the ball is, the score,” McDaniel said. “I plan on using, and I know coach [Danny] Crossman feels the same, I plan on using our best players in the best situations for the team.”
He’s absolutely right about the talent in these roles. During his first three seasons with Kansas City, he averaged 12 yards per punt return and totaled four touchdowns. At Alabama, Waddle averaged 19.3 yards per punt return and had two touchdowns in 38 attempts.
Holland returned punts during his sophomore season at Oregon, averaging 15.3 yards per return, and he had a few opportunities last year, but he only averaged 7.7 yards per return.
Why would McDaniel be willing to risk injury with his stars in their second phase?
“It’s always been confusing [to me],” McDaniel said. “If I didn’t trust teammates, it’d be an issue, but like this just in, every single play people are trying to tackle you. Maybe you can explain it. Why are special teams yards any different than throwing a screen? Now, if you don’t trust your blockers then [that’d be an issue]… If I made decisions best upon safety in football that would be a process where I’m going to fail, I feel like. Every time they’re on the field it’s a risk.”
It’s a fair point. Players are going to get hurt in football. That’s just the nature of the game. A team might as well use their best players to their advantage to put them in the best position to win.
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