We often derive entertainment out of the manner in which NFL teams word their press releases. (Yeah, we need a new hobby.)
Earlier today, the Jaguars sent out word via e-mail that they have “activated” rookie fullback Brock Bolen. (Actually, “activated” is rarely used in this context; Bolen was signed to the active roster from the practice squad. And he’ll only be “activated” on game day if he’s not on the “inactive” list.)
Also mentioned in the e-mail was the fact that the Jags have waived cornerback/kick returner Brian Witherspoon, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie in 2008. But for reasons not known nor apparent, the title to the release referred only to the activation of Bolen. (Again, we need a hobby.)
Witherspoon played in 14 games last year and seven games in 2009. In 2008, he returned 24 kickoffs for an average gain of 568 23.5 yards and 17 punts for an average of 11.3 yards.
This year, Witherspoon returned 24 kickoffs for a gain of 23.7 yards per attempt, along with seven punts for an average of 11.1 yards.
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Wow now the Jags don’t ave a decent returner. Mike Thomas isn’t all that great…
“In 2008, he returned 24 kickoffs for an average gain of 568 yards”
Speaking of his seasonal average doesn’t seem appropriate in this context.
“…average gain of 568 yards..”
Amazing, how can the Jaguars afford to cut such a player.
an average of 568 yards? wow, why would they cut him?
Reading press releases to understand what they do and don’t say is an acquired skill.
“In 2008, he returned 24 kickoffs for an average gain of 568 yards…”
And they cut this guy?
Florio, why would be “dump” a guy who is averaging 568 yards per kickoff return! I knew we made poor personel moves in the past!
“In 2008, he returned 24 kickoffs for an average gain of 568 yards”
An average of 568 yds?
Did he run up and down the full length of the field 5.68 times each kickoff?
An average gain of 568 yards, eh?
It’s posts like this that make me wonder why you don’t have at least a 3rd grader editing them.
As a jags fan it really upsets me that we cut Witherspoon. The guy is unbelievably fast (former track guy), and although he never took one all the way back, he would almost always have a nice return to set the offense up in good field position. The only reason I can think that the jags cut him was because he had injury problems, and they were tired of them. Other than that some other team is gonna get a good returner.
I suspect this move is because Greg Jones is out for the season with another blown ACL
He better get in his car and drive to D.C. and beg for a 3 game contract.
Hey they both need each other. The Redskins suck at special teams returns and can use another cb. And Witherspoon is well umm unemployed.
Greg Jones got hurt against the Dolphins. They needed a fullback so they activated him. If Greg Jones’s injury was serious he would be on IR and they wouldn’t have to cut Witherspoon. Spoon was almost pure speed. He won’t make a guy miss but he gets up field fast. Thomas isn’t as fast but he can make people miss. His stats will be similar.
He’s also a fumbling machine. The man weighs 170 pounds soaking wet.
wow. i read the headline, and i couldnt wait to see how you guys were going to rip the jags now. the jags lost a fullback and had to “activate” another one. ‘spoon’ (as he is called by fans such as myself) must have been the most expendable. it is a business. all you need to let us know (is what i already knew hours before your post) is that 1 player is hurt, 1 got cut, and 1 took his place. lay off the jags already, geez.