This was one of the best parts of the Cards’ season. Dallas was the first to return a scoring kickoff under the new system. They lost a great placekicker, but Ossenfort found what might become even a better one. Ryland was cool under pressure. His range may not yet have peaked. He should be next year’s kicker. The Cards also featured one of the top punters in the league, Gillikin. Ironically he was injured as well. He should recover fully and resume his position next year. Finally there’s the issue of punt returns. I thought Dortch might be replaced by Dallas. Their skillsets are similar. However, the final game indicated the Cards may see an expanded receiving role for Dortch, especially on third down. He fits that scat back profile better than Dallas. Once in the open field he can be especially elusive. I’d say the position is unresolved.
