LeMichael James did average 28.2 yards per kick return for the 49ers. You act like I am saying bad things about Landry. His vision is very good, and so has been the blocking for kick returns. That combination has allowed Miami to get good field position. If you can find someone who has good vision and speed, then why not use him on kick returns. Especially with Landry taking a bigger role in the offense.
Well, I was replying to somebody else's post. I wouldn't presume you're saying bad things about Landry, I'm just focusing on the positives he's brought to the STs. If LaMike is better there, by all means, put him on it. But that's part of my argument...if LaMike has better speed, but averaged less than Landry...what does that say?
According to NFLDS, Landry ran a pair of 4.61 forties at his pro day. What's your source of the times you listed?
I don't have a problem with James returning kicks if that is what is better for the team but James averaged 28.4 yards per kick return (26 returns over 2+ seasons). Landry is averaging 32 yards per kick off return (19 returns). just food for thought
There is more to a kick return than just the returner. Blocking has been really good on kick returns this season.
I Googled it. Honestly couldn't tell you. It seemed like some local newspaper of sorts. Will try to find it for you if I get around to it. I guess my ONLY point of contention is that he has the ability to take it to the house. I do think he is fast enough. I merely researched the 40 just to see how fast he actually ran. I remember someone mentioning the injury around draft time and people questioned his speed. But watching his tape, it seems his football speed is just fine. I read articles where his coach(es) intimated the same. While I think many people do put some stock in 40 times, does it always translate on the field? On the flip side, does a poor 40 time always mean the player is slow when he puts on the pads? In this case, I think the latter applies. While he is not the fastest, I do think he has that ability to take it to the house. While speed helps a player returning kicks, it is not the ONLY thing that matters. There are other variables involved. The reason I even brought it up is because the claim should not be made simply because of his lack of elite speed. I do, however, think he has enough speed, along with other abilities, to take it home. **And to the poster who said Sproles did not outrun anyone....this is simply not true. He made a few moves, and there was a gaping hole, but in the end, he turned on the burners. He still has it.**
say what, you gonna give up the instinct to find lanes, to run thru smoke at full speed for a couple 10th of a second. ill tell ya this, this spin move that landry displayed on the one kickoff was special, there isn't many guys that can make that move at that speed.. sacrificing him because someone else is faster is the wrong assertion.
your right, the move is because thomas is average and fumbled the football, and miller is slightly banged up and james and he have some similarities.
On kick, yes. I gladly do. If you have that 10th of a second speed, you don't need that special spin move, you can find the hole and use your speed to get through the lane. Plus with Landry doing more and more in the offense, it is better for him to be off of the kick off team.
maybe not..lol so what is your position this cause I'm confused, are you suggesting to replace landry with James?
Ummm, he leads the league in average. you would gladly do it to....wow....ok man, sure. theres a lot more to being an excellent kick returner, starting with vision and instinct, finishing with guts..
As Alex13 noted, the reports are that James was promoted because of concern over Miller. Thomas is still going to get carries (though I do think Williams has flashed some great potential and I'd prefer him to be the #2 option). James is also likely to return some kicks. James was really explosive at Oregon and in his soph / Jr seasons people thought he'd be electric in the pros. Turned out he did not run as fast as he looked on the field. But, give him some open field and I think he can still be pretty electric.
Do you remember when that spin move was? He did one on the double reverse to spun then guy around and on his butt. He ended up tripping Landry that didn't get called
i wanted to draft him coming out of college so I'm happy he's here, hopefully he really goes north and south.
making moves at full speed..Landry can...one of the reasons why Lamike james hasn't exploded on to the scene yet..if he has a chip and he gets it and apply it, then maybe we strike gold.
it was on his big kickoff return.the short area athleticism was so good the defender whiffed..sick move.
If Miller has an open field and one safety between himself and the Goal line, he will run straight for the safety and get tackled. Seen it several times this year, he goes straight for him.
[video=youtube;3dQ6_xF3HFw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dQ6_xF3HFw[/video] Here is every touch by James in 2012. I see enough vision for him to take over kickoffs from Landry.
What I got from that is he's the anti-Miller...tough, hard, shifty runner, who can catch well, even if the ball isn't perfectly thrown.
I think he could have an impact if the Dolphins are able to find the right matchup for him, specifically against Brandon Spikes.
Would love to see him and Damien get a good workload this week, and beyond. I think with as hungry as he is to show out, he'll bust through the rust fairly quickly.
LaMichael James ran an unofficial time of 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis... serious speed.