Once the defense completes their job, make sure not to blow it trying to be fancy. Knowing when to secure possession prevents costly turnovers from mishandled punts. Don't let carelessness spoil the chance of winning. Click to learn how to turn your punt returner's safe hands into your best defense!
In the high-stakes world of Madden NFL, a punt returner's role is often underestimated. While return touchdowns might provide thrilling moments, they should never come at the cost of ball security. Muffed or fumbled punts can quickly turn the tide of a game, making it essential for returners to prioritize possession over potential yardage gains.
Opponents may not punt often, but when they do, understanding how to securely take and maintain possession is crucial. A muffed punt—where the returner fails to catch the punt cleanly—often results in the kicking team regaining the ball due to their numerical and positional advantage on the field. Unlike fumbles, muffed punts cannot be advanced by the receiving team, but it won't matter. The damage is done once they fall on it. It's essential to handle every punt with care. A single mishandled return could not only cost your team possession but could also bench a returner indefinitely.
One of the golden rules for punt returners is to avoid fielding punts deep within their own 10-yard line. Those are likely to result in a touchback, setting the offense up at the 20-yard line. If the punt cannot be fielded cleanly with enough room to ensure a run to at least the 20-yard line, it's often wiser to let the ball bounce into the end zone.
The decision to call a fair catch is influenced by several factors: the proximity of the punt coverage team, the anticipated landing spot of the punt, and the quality of upfield blocking. If any of these elements are not favorable, the returner should either signal for a fair catch or steer clear of the ball entirely. The risk associated with potential muffs or fumbles increases as the coverage team closes in, and each decision made by the returner has immediate implications for both the offense and, potentially, the defense.
In Madden, Switching to the return man and signaling for a fair catch is a simple, yet vital, and overlooked action. By waving one hand clearly over his head, the returner communicates his intent to the referees and opposing team, sacrificing the chance for a dramatic return to prevent a potentially devastating hit. Remember, the timing of this signal is crucial; calling it too late might prevent the returner from signaling effectively.
In summary, when handling punt returns, err on the side of caution. Call for a fair catch early to secure possession, and if unsure, it's better to distance yourself from the ball than risk a turnover.
