As the stakes increase dramatically for the NFL’s final four teams, don’t rule out a little outside-the-box thinking for one or more of the head coaches who’ll be trying to get to their first career Super Bowls as head coaches.
One common device in this regard is to replace punt and kick returners with guys ordinarily viewed as too valuable to the base offense or defense.
In Indy, for example, Darrelle Revis could be on a different kind of island, as the Jets’ punt returner. If you doubt his skills in this regard, consider this highlight from his days as Pitt’s punt returner.
For the Vikings, Percy Harvin could supplement his kickoff return duties with the return of punts. Though, Harvin didn’t look “natural” in training camp when catching punted footballs, the Vikings on at least one occasion put Harvin deep with Darius Reynaud during the regular season. Presumably, Reynaud could catch the punt and then hand, pitch, or throw it to Harvin.
Of course, such a tactic would be even riskier than usual, given that Harvin wasn’t available to practice the routine on Thursday or Friday, due to his migraine headaches.
Then there’s the possibility that Bush will make a cameo as kickoff returner for the Saints.
Also, keep in mind an unusual punt formation the Vikings used way back in Week Two, with backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson serving as the “up” back. It gives the Vikings a Wildcat-type of option at a time when it appears that a punt is coming.
At a minimum, it might make the Saints think twice before setting up the blocking for Bush.
Speaking of the Wildcat, the trendy but here-to-stay wrinkle looms large over the two games. Though the respective road teams have made more extensive use of the formation this year, the one thing about the conference title games is that anything can happen -- and the biggest surprise would be if we don’t see any surprises at all.
