Packers need to find consistency in the return game

The only problem for the Green Bay Packers last season was special teams.

You could argue each phase of that unit was equally to blame for the team’s early playoff exit. Whether it was the field goal operation, ability to flip the field in the punting game, return game coverage, or just returning the ball on punts and kicks in general, there were major issues all over.

Arguably, the most important piece of special teams is the return game. Whether it’s on kickoffs or punts, returners have the ability to set the offense up in a good position for their next drive. In Green Bay, it seems to be true that the offense usually sets up in a worse position than where they could be if the returner simply takes a knee in the end zone or just calls for a fair catch. Keep in mind, new ST coordinator Rich Bisaccia will turn the ship around. That is a promise.

Last season, the Packers had four options at kick/punt returner. Third-string RB Patrick Taylor (KR), free-agent acquisition WR David Moore (PR), Packers legend WR Randall Cobb (PR), and rookie WR Amari Rodgers (KR/PR).

The only player in that group who was able to stand out was Moore, who didn’t play until Week 17 vs. Minnesota, which just happened to be his only game played for the Packers last season. He had three punt returns in that game for a total of 33 yards. The best return amounted to 21 yards, which set the Green Bay offense up at mid-field.

If the Packers are looking to upgrade their return game but don’t want to use a draft pick on that spot, they should consider re-signing Moore to be their starting KR and PR.

The problem with those other three players is that they don’t have the speed and agility to break free like Moore has (4.4 40 time). Cobb is going to be 32 years old and fumbled his only punt return vs. the Rams. Amari Rodgers got the bulk of the returns in both the punting and kicking game but only averaged 18.1 yards per kick return.

The smartest option for Green Bay is to give David Moore a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. He also has experience playing WR in the NFL, most notably in Seattle for four seasons.

If Green Bay wants to sign an established veteran, who has experience returning punts and kicks at a better level than what they’ve been able to produce over the years, Moore is the man for the job. He has been a returner for all five of his seasons in the NFL.

However, there is another option for the Packers if they do not want to spend money on that position. They could use a draft pick. There is one player in mind that could transcend the return game in Green Bay: Britain Covey.

In five collegiate seasons at Utah, Covey had five career return touchdowns (four punt, one kick). He averaged 11.9 yards per punt return and 25.4 yards per kick return. His experience returning kicks in the cold weather could certainly be helpful as well.

He also had over 2,000 yards receiving and over 300 yards rushing in college. The versatility there could be useful on offense. Covey could be an intriguing option in the later rounds if Matt LaFleur and Rich Bisaccia want to address the return position through the draft.

Green Bay will have this position turned around in due time. That starts with either David Moore or a prospect like Britain Covey. But if they do not choose any of those routes, still, trust Rich Bisaccia. He knows a whole lot better than the rest of us.