Alabama Football: Punt return remains a Crimson Tide problem

Despite a wire-to-wire win for the Alabama Football team on Saturday one problem continues to loom for the Crimson Tide, catching punts. This issue has plagued the Crimson Tide all season with muffed punts costing the Crimson Tide possessions and punts being dropped costing the Alabama Football team field position. Kool-Aid Mckinstry has been the guilty party this season with his muffed punt on Saturday leading to Kentucky’s first score of the game. This issue plagued Alabama Football the most against Tennessee with multiple punts costing Alabama field position.

Following the Tennessee game, it seemed there would be a change at the position as Isaiah Bond said we’d see him returning punts real soon. The decision to stick with McKinstry has been confusing as Alabama Football has multiple candidates who seem like they’d be better fits at the position. Kendrick Law has flashed his explosiveness every week as his role continues to grow, the possibility of getting him open space on punt return has to be an intriguing option. Both Law and Roydell Williams have shown their ability at the position returning kickoffs for the Crimson Tide effectively averaging 25 yards per return on Saturday.

The issue of punt return has yet to plague the Alabama Football team in a big way as it hasn’t cost them any games yet. However, as postseason play approaches getting another look at a punt returner would be better than throwing someone in with no experience on the season.

Alabama Football: Experiment versus Chatanooga

This week’s game against Chatanooga should be used as an opportunity to experiment by the coaching staff. The past few games haven’t been an opportunity to try new things as the games have all had massive ramifications. The Crimson Tide should look to get looks at different punt returners as well as getting some new wide receivers involved. Should the Alabama Football team suffer any injuries it would be beneficial to get Jalen Milroe more reps with receivers like Kobe Prentice and Jalen Hale. Hale showed explosiveness receiving on Saturday and could be a viable option going forward.

Note: All Stats via ESPN