Mount Super-Ego has erupted once again and this time Joe Theismann is taking dead aim at Redskins punt-return man, and former Super Bowl MVP, Antwaan Randle El. Theismann takes umbrage with Randle El’s 49th ranked punt return stats. (admittedly, that’s pretty poor)
“In every sunny day there’s usually one little cloud that sits out there, and for us, it’s Antwaan Randle El returning punts,” Theismann said on his Monday morning ESPN 980 show. “He averages 3.9 yards a punt return. I will say this in all humility: I could do that. Ok? As a matter of fact, I have done it. And I’ve done it better. I catch the football. This isn’t an I thing, this is and I don’t know what’s going on in management, when it comes to putting Antwaan Randle El back returning punts. He dropped a second-down pass, hit him right in the hands. Muffed a punt again. You know, in a game that was close, we would all be clamoring about what Antwaan did. Now it just sort of gets overlooked....It’s amazing to me, you cut Shaun Suisham because he misses two field goals, and yet you insist on allowing someone that has no production whatsoever to do a job returning punts.”
Yes, of course Joe Theismann was the greatest athlete in sports history. While that generally goes without saying, he will surely tell you if you ask. But Joe probably shouldn’t go criticizing someone around the punt game. This gives a perfect opportunity for guys with long sports memories like me to break out the video of Theismann’s 1 yard…yes ONE YARD…punt against the legendary 1985 Bears. I was actually at this game and remember it vividly. Enjoy. (washingtonpost)
1/9/09 UPDATE: Now with better video!
