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View Full Version : Emmanuel Sanders Will Return Kicks And Punts In 2012



86WARD
02-19-2012, 01:32 PM
Emmanuel Sanders was on ESPN Radio AM 970 Sunday morning, and confirmed he was told he would return kicks and punts for the Steelers in 2012. Sanders will replace AFC Pro Bowl WR/KR Antonio Brown, the only player in NFL history with 1,000 return and receiving yards in the same season. It's likely due to the larger role Brown will play in the team's offense, but at the same time, Sanders performed well on returns his rookie season, picking up 628 yards on 25 returns. Sanders added 60 yards on four punt returns in 2010. Last season, he fought through injuries and returned five kicks for 93 yards, and three punts for 22 yards.

SBNation.com (http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/2/19/2810097/emmanuel-sanders-will-return-kicks-and-punts-in-2012)

http://gridironfans.com/forums/attachments/latest-nfl-headlines/33949d1329679641t-steelers-wr-emmanuel-sanders-will-return-kicks-emmanuel-sanders.png

86WARD
02-19-2012, 01:33 PM
Seeing that Brown will be the number one receiver in Pittsburgh?!? Just asking...

The Duke
02-19-2012, 01:55 PM
Makes sense, with Brown becoming even more important for the offense

I just hope Sanders is over his foot issues

GBMelBlount
02-19-2012, 01:56 PM
Emmanuel Sanders was on ESPN Radio AM 970 Sunday morning, and confirmed he was told he would return kicks and punts for the Steelers in 2012. Sanders will replace AFC Pro Bowl WR/KR Antonio Brown, the only player in NFL history with 1,000 return and receiving yards in the same season. It's likely due to the larger role Brown will play in the team's offense, but at the same time,

Sanders performed well on returns his rookie season, picking up 628 yards on 25 returns.

Sanders added 60 yards on four punt returns in 2010. Last season, he fought through injuries and returned five kicks for 93 yards, and three punts for 22 yards.

SBNation.com (http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/2/19/2810097/emmanuel-sanders-will-return-kicks-and-punts-in-2012)

http://gridironfans.com/forums/attachments/latest-nfl-headlines/33949d1329679641t-steelers-wr-emmanuel-sanders-will-return-kicks-emmanuel-sanders.png

Sanders averaged 25 yards per return his rookie year while Brown averaged 27 this year.

If Sanders is fully healthy this is a smart move as one could expect little drop off in return production if any.

El-Gonzo Jackson
02-19-2012, 02:07 PM
No reason that both will not split some duties returning kicks. Both are solid RAC receivers and returners.

Count Steeler
02-19-2012, 02:14 PM
Think it is still early to solidify this task. Still don't know who they will draft and who they may pickup as a UFA. Yeah, for now Sanders may be penciled in, but would not surprise me at all to see someone else get the call on opening day.

polamalubeast
02-19-2012, 02:22 PM
Seeing that Brown will be the number one receiver in Pittsburgh?!? Just asking...

if wallace leave

ALLD
02-19-2012, 02:28 PM
Sanders needs to get through a season without injury. Sanders was a 3rd rd. pick while Brown was a 6th. Just think is we had 2004's OL and these three healthy receivers.

Carolina Steelers
02-19-2012, 03:27 PM
I could still see Brown back there maybe in crucial situations if we need a big play if Sanders isnt getting it done, kind of like Holmes when the Steelers needed some field position Holmes returned some punts.

BigNastyDefense
02-19-2012, 03:41 PM
I could still see Brown back there maybe in crucial situations if we need a big play if Sanders isnt getting it done, kind of like Holmes when the Steelers needed some field position Holmes returned some punts.

Damn, you beat me to it! That's the exact same thing I was thinking!

I have no problem with Sanders being the main kick/punt returner. Brown is going to be the #2 receiver if we are able to keep Wallace (and I expect us to keep him). Your normally don't want your #1 or #2 receiver playing special teams unless you really need that big return...or unless you're the Cleveland Browns.

Galax Steeler
02-19-2012, 04:55 PM
I am for the idea Sanders is a good return guy and this way we can help to prevent injury to Brown. Who knows he may be the number one receiver this year.

steelerdude15
02-19-2012, 09:23 PM
Awesome, I'd like to see Manny more involved!

Iron Steeler
02-20-2012, 04:45 AM
if wallace leave

Sigh... we need to keep this guy

tube517
02-20-2012, 08:14 AM
I could still see Brown back there maybe in crucial situations if we need a big play if Sanders isnt getting it done, kind of like Holmes when the Steelers needed some field position Holmes returned some punts.

This ^^^.