09-04-2015, 12:06 PM
(09-04-2015, 09:58 AM)jeza link Wrote:The article in the Australian today seemed to point to Hayne leading the stats in the preseason for average yards gained as a running back. Also punt returning, wide receiver, etc.
Unusual in the NFL to have multi-faceted players like that. So 1000 americans... Maybe only 999?
No, it's not.
Punt returners are traditionally either wide receivers, running backs or cornerbacks. They are the fastest blokes in the squad and good at evading tacklers. Every single punt returner or kick returner has an actual position on the depth chart besides 'punt/kick returner'. 2 years ago the vikings (my team) had the best kick returner (Patterson - WR) and punt returner (Sherels - CB) in the league. They also got game time in their actual positions (as listed).
Leading the stats in the pre-season means less than squat. Teams play their 1st string players (less any superstars, ala Adrian Peterson, 2013 MVP who does not play a single second)...then they play their second string players....then they play their 3rd string players....and if they have them, 4th stringers. Everyone gets a go. Usually, the 2nd stringers get most playing time.
He is a second stringer at best and is playing against other second stringers. His offensive line is creating huge holes for him to run through, so all he has to do is run. Good running backs need to work out where and when to run when there are no holes to run into. Great running backs create their own holes.
Look, i've got nothing against the bloke, but just trying to put things in perspective.
