Allen Rossum was a solid returner for the 49ers.
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)
The release of Allen Rossum to make room for Michael Crabtree two weeks ago seemed like a head scratcher to many people, including myself. Why would the team get rid of their best returnman where there were other players on the roster that were much more expendable?
Then I realized that the 49ers must have had this voice of reason: Rossum does only one thing while other potential returns are more versatile.
I took that into consideration and thought that the theory was good enough for the 49ers.
On Sunday, new punt returner Arnaz Battle muffed a punt (with a large part of it due to the sun in his eyes) and the Texans recovered on the 49ers 11-yard line. They would punch it in with a Steve Slaton touchdown catch.
Our other return options that we have used this year for punts and kickoffs are Nate Clements for punts and Michael Robinson and Delanie Walker sharing the duties for kick returns. Walker fumbled a return in the game against the Falcons and I haven't seen anything amazing from the kick return game since Rossum's last game in Week 3 (he was scratched for two games before being released).
I start to wonder if Rossum would have struggled in those situations. Mike Singletary said that Rossum had some issues also before being released. But as far as I can see, Rossum didn't have any fumbles this season. And as a player that specializes in returning, the 49ers might have made a huge mistake in letting Rossum go.
But the problem could easily be solved. The 49ers should have cut Micheal Spurlock instead of Rossum to make room for Crabtree. But now, I think this is the chance to show everyone why keeping Spurlock was so important. Spurlock has the experience in returning kicks and for a guy of his talent, the 49ers should use him. If the team doesn't and decides to throw the slower and less explosive Walker and Robinson for kickoff returns, it might just spell disaster for the team.
Battle isn't a bad option for punt returns since that seems to be the only playing time he gets, but if we look at the special teams right now, Spurlock might be the best replacement for Rossum. The special teams has been struggling and since the 49ers are making many changes to the team this week, this is one more they need to make.
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Comments
Spurlock is the right man for punt and kick returns.
Rossum is a 12-year vet whose best season was for an average of 26.8 yards per return and is considered one of the best kickoff return men of all time. Michael Robinson is averaging 26.4 yards per return this season. Unlike Walker and Spurlock, you don't have to worry about Robinson fumbling or making a bonehead play. Speed is not the only factor in kickoff returns and Michael runs a 4.5 40. Consistency is most important and if he can keep his average around 24+, he's doing an excellent job.
Right now, I would favor Spurlock since he has experience and is not being used in any other fashion by the team. Robinson is not a bad choice either... at least I trust Robinson a lot more than Walker.
ur missing tha fact that u would have to make room 4 spurlock on the 45 man game roster . who do u take out? iwithout rossum, robinson on kickoffs and battle on punts will do
To make room for Crabtree, the team could have cut Spurlock instead. Remember that in keeping Spurlock, the team must have had plans for him in order to keep him. If not, then they should have cut him.
Now he is still on the team, he better do something and this is why I feel his talents are best used as a returner.
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