re: Tracker of Saints' cuts in the OP

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the sand has almost run out on this.... we are his 5th team in as many years..

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That’s my bad. I didn’t realize he had been around that long. I thought he was a 2nd year guy.

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how fricking hard is it, really, to play a non-returner ST role in the NFL? it's basically like playing "tackle the man with the football"

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Obviously it’s way harder than you’ve convinced yourself it is. 10 guys on each of the 5 special teams have to have the skill—and willingness—to do it. Then they have to be able to it well and within the scheme. Having 10 guys just running down the field with their hair on fire but no plan, just trying to play “tackle the man with the football” is a really good way for your punts and kicks to get housed.

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sure, some are better at it than others, but i'm pretty sure the little bit they lack in ST ability is made up for with their ability during the actual offensive or defensive play...

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Except it’s not. We have a handful of guys that will ONLY play special teams. At least we hope. If some of our end of the depth chart DBs or LBs are out there playing more defensive snaps than special teams, then something has gone way wrong that day.

Like I said about Jaylon Smith. You can’t afford to have too many guys taking up spots who have zero role in the game plan that week. That if everything goes well, you hope they don’t even touch the field. Special teamers and yes, even Tre’Quan who we all hate, at least provide value because, while it may be limited, you know they have a specific role every week and will be used on the actual field.