Poll: Should Steve Smith be returning Punts on Sunday?

by docnolz on Sep 10, 2009 3:25 PM EDT

Both Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald and Charles Chandler of the Charlotte Observer are reporting today that Steve Smith is among the options for returning punts on Sunday according to Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox. Reading Smith's quotes in the above linked articles he sure seems to be less than thrilled about the prospect and I for one can't blame him. I think the risks of injury outweigh the advantages on the surface, however with risk comes reward. Smith is a dynamic player that is a touchdown just waiting to happen when returning punts. I wanted to give Panther Nation the chance to voice their opinion on this matter. Should the Panthers put Steve Smith back there, go with Chris Gamble or one of the fumble prone rookies? What do you think?

Poll

Who should the Panthers use for punt returns against the Eagles on Sunday?

Steve Smith

18 votes

Captain Munnerlyn

40 votes

Chris Gamble

1 votes

Kenny Moore

8 votes

Someone Else

4 votes

71 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

No smitty

Let the rookie Munnerlyn give it a try first. Don’t want Smitty to take shots on PR. Too valuable.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

+1 million

Smith is waaaaay too valuable to risk. I’d rather put someone in there with soft hands to fair catch everything and have no yardage gain on PR than risk Smith.

by James Dator on Sep 10, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Steve Smith

I understand how important a kick off and punt returner is, but I also know how much more important Steve is in the recieving corps.

by Cwilly1 on Sep 10, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

No I don’t want Smitty getting hurt on Punt returns, but I would still leave it up to him and if he wanted to return one or two punts at key times during the game then we should let him. Also may have to since Munnerlyn may fumble alot and make some mistakes, but he looked good in Preseason so who knows.

by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Sep 10, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

The more I think about it....

The more convinced I am that Iwas right before. How does Fox go into a press conference after a game to explain to the press how Steve Smith had a season ending injury returning punts? it’s not worth it no matter the cost. So he might score a TD or 2… is it worth it to give him that much open exposure to injury? No way.

by docnolz on Sep 10, 2009 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Play your best 11

I voted for Captain, but have no problem with Smith returning kicks/punts lining up as tailback. You should play your best 11 whenever you can. Steve Smith could get hurt running a quick hitch on the first play.

by parkershawn2001 on Sep 10, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

While I agree

With the fact that yeah anyone could get hurt at anytime, that isn’t the best logic. By putting him back there returning punts it definitely puts him in harms way alot more.

As for the question….no, I don’t want him doing it. He is too valuable not only in the passing game but also the running game.

I’d be alright with only in the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

by R-F on Sep 11, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions