About punt returns..

[cashpath]

There has been a problem with fumbled punt returns.

Up to week 6 there were on average about 25 fumbled punts per week. Now when you figure there are about 130 punts per week, 25 fumbled punt returns is abismal.

In week 6 I raised the punt length and we shortened the 25 down to 12 fumbled punts.

This week I took it a step farther. I raised the punt length again, but then I went in and forced everyone to have thier slowest guys on punt kick coverage. This week we had 9 fumbled punts, but the outcome of most of those was not what it once was, which was the other team picking it up and running it in for a TD. Let me break down or fumbled punts this week.

#1- My punt returner Kelly Campbell who is a 98 ovr punt returner had a 'HIT AND FUMBLE' Now the hit and fumbles are what I am trying to get rid of, the Rams recovered it. But since thier slowest guys where on the field Campbell got up chased him down tackled him and we held them to a FG.

#2- The second was Dante Hall, and it was another 'HIT AND FUMBLE' Hall is a 99 and I was now getting discouraged thinking this idea was not going to work.

#3- Minnesotas PR Kelly Herndon Muffed a punt, Now muffs are realistic they are not hit and fumbles which are what I am trying to get rid of, Herndon is also a 47 OVR at punt returner, and that more than explains a muff by him.

#4- Lions returner Tim dwight had a 'H&F' but it was overturned on a challenge.

#5- Chargers Returner had a 'H&F' and it went out of bounds and they kept the ball.

#6- The Bills Returner MUFFED

#7- The Bills returner MUFFED again..

#8- Patriots returner Muffed and the pats recovered it- now this is a good sign what happened was he muffed, but then he fell on it because none of the other teams guys were around (cause they are slow)

#9- Denver Muffed but Denver also recovered it just as the Patriots did above.



So in all, this week there were 9 fumbled punt returns, and while that may still be a bit high (I can't find any stats on this in the NFL if someone can please let me know) Only 5 of those 9 did the other team recover.

As I said this is still high, but I think its jus ta flaw in Madden and something we will have to live with. So I think this is how it will be done from now on. I may track the fumbles again for another week, maybe.. maybe not... hopefully this problem is at least minimized to an acceptable point.

-----------------------------madden 2006--------------------------------

Oh I forgot, on a side note- punters have more punt yards, but also the returners are actually getting more returns now. Once they take a few steps they usually won't fumble.

[holyjabroni73]

Awesome. I did notice there were a lot fewer fumbles this week from the games i watched. There really is no way for you to prevent it one hundred percent, but at least now the game is in my opinion more realistic and fair when it comes to punt returns that is. You keep this league going great and continue to make it better from week to week.

Thanks

[Short]

Sounds good to me, and it looks like its working...

[cashpath]

Oh I forgot to add.... Only 2 of the fumbles that were recovered were 'Hit and Fumbles'

[titansrule]

sounds very good to me. i think thats about as good as it gets.

I appreciate the work put into it, and being a victim of this I am glad something is being done about it! How come 2 out of 3 of my most memorable games have come against the Titans? A true Rival I tell ya!!!

[titansrule]

i dont think we will have another three minute wonder tho lol, that was one of a kind.

Good troubleshooting cash, I'm sure we can all live with that.

[Dlove]

That sounds great Cash! Now I can listen to my Falcons lose games in other ways. This gives me one more less thing to worry about.

Forgive me but that made me smile alot. :grin:

[bfy222]

sounds good, i was also noticing punters distance averages seemed low (i have no research, just a hunch) and returners PR yards seemed a bit low (just a hunch again), seems like this fixed all of it.

[Disturbed]

Honestly I think this is great. We may even see some players break off a few long punt returns now.

I agree muffed punts are a part of the game, and I like the fact that we've reduced the number of 'hit and fumbles' and kept the muffed punts.

Now I just need to sign a 90's version of Deon Sanders to return punts for me. =)

[T.O.F.N.]

I already traded the one guy who fumbled it already.

But thanks for doing this

[fearme504]

sounds great...My team hasnt Muffed or H&F in two games..thats a good sign to me