Don't let the punt returner become the reason we lose. Madden NFL don't punt often, but when the defense forces a punt the last thing we want is to give the ball back on a fumble or a muff. Avoid game changing plays by calling for a fair catch.
Our punt returner's job is to field the punt. Return touchdowns are special, but not worth a mishandled punt. Muffed and fumbled punts are dangerous. Sometimes, it's better to just field the punt.
Opponents might not punt much; when they do we need to know how to take possession and maintain it. If we muff the punt, the kicking team is likely to regain possession because they have more men and they are looking at the panicked returner as he scrambles to fall on the ball. Fumbled punts can be advanced by either team, muffs cannot. Foul up a return and it's enough to get a punt returner demoted to the bench, never to return another kick. Fortunately, fair catch rules allow return men the opportunity to field the punt cleanly without getting hit.
It's typically a bad idea to field a punt inside the 10 yard line. Deep punts are likely to go in the end zone for a touchback; awarding possession of the ball on the 20. But if there isn't room to field the ball cleanly and run at least to the 20, let it bounce.
Calling a fair catch is a split second decision based on a few factors: the location of the punt coverage team, the spot the punt will land, and the effectiveness of upfield blocking. If anything isn't in our favor, the return man should either call a fair catch or get out of the way and let the ball go. The risk of a muff or a fumble is too high as coverage approaches. Whatever decision the returner makes directly affects the offense. Worst case, poor choices affect the defense.
We might have to switch to the return man before giving the fair catch signal. Calling a fair catch is as simple as pressing the button while controlling the returner. The returner will signify Fair Catch by waving one hand clearly over his head. Once we call a fair catch, we forfeit the potential of a showstopping return, but we also deny the coverage team an opportunity to lay a massive hit on our return man. We must keep in mind that the window of opportunity to call for a fair catch is time sensitive. Don't wait so late that the returner won't have time to give the signal, because the button will no longer work.
When in doubt, call fair catch early. If you can't give the signal, get away from the ball.
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