Could Tom Nelson Get A Shot To Return Kicks?

by JasonB on Dec 6, 2011 2:00 PM EST in Philadelphia Eagles News

The Eagles signed safety Tom Nelson as a replacement for special teams ace Colt Anderson this week. While Anderson played gunner on the special teams unit, I wonder whether Nelson might find himself in a different role? Return man. As you may have noticed in the Lincs this morning, Nelson was a pretty good return man in college.

As a senior in 2008, he averaged 15.8 yds on punt returns, which included an 82-yard return for a touchdown. He also scored on a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that season

Nelson finished his career as ISU’s career leader in kick returns (84) and kick return yards (1,912), and also ranks eighth in career punt return yards (366).

Now, none of this is to say that Tom Nelson would necessarily be a good NFL return man, but given the current state of the Eagles kick return game, why not give him a shot? The return men this year haven't been disastrous (no turnovers or anything) but they also haven't really been impressive either. Dion Lewis is averaging 22.5 yards per return and has gotten just 70% of his returns out to the 20.

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who is tom nelson?

JODIE CHEEKS

by appleciderr on Dec 6, 2011 2:03 PM EST reply actions

The Eagles signed safety Tom Nelson as a replacement for special teams ace Colt Anderson this week.

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by JasonB on Dec 6, 2011 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

lol ... master of the obvious! LOVE IT!

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Dec 6, 2011 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

First line of the story!

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by JasonB on Dec 6, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

who is tom nelson though?

JODIE CHEEKS

by appleciderr on Dec 6, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

He’s jordy nelson’s brother

by con-vick on Dec 6, 2011 2:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I submit we should sign the younger brother of every Packer and start them. Jermatthew Finley, Brian Grant, Baron Rodgers.

by TheAL76 on Dec 6, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

rec’d for Jermatthew

AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.

by KByars on Dec 6, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

Is there really a Jermatthew Finley?

More importantly, is there a younger God’s Gift? I want that guy

by DLawrence55 on Dec 6, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Jordan Rodgers

he’s the back up QB for Vanderbilt. And yes he’s Rodger’s brother. But me no want. We all know what happens when you draft a star Packer’s younger, less talented brother.

by P_Roach17 on Dec 6, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

I was talking about a younger ANDREW QUARLESS!! he could be Mary’s Gift

by DLawrence55 on Dec 6, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

He did throw 2 TDs against Florida...

and 2 INTs against Alabama.

ATT, CMP, YDS, CMP%, YPA, LNG, TD, INT, SACK, RAT
202, 104, 1498, 51.5, 7.42, 73, 9, 9, 10, 119.6

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by ChaosOnion on Dec 6, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

Another Sheli ?

no thanks

It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop.

the day we only score 3 points with this offense, is the day ill give everyone a dollar haha
by bleedgreen89 on Sep 16, 2011 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions

by JJeaglerooter on Dec 6, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately, no

We can dream though.

Oh wait. We did this year. F.

by TheAL76 on Dec 6, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

i dont know if he's really his brother

I’m just guessing

by con-vick on Dec 6, 2011 3:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

White, Nelson. Sounds legit to me.

by TheAL76 on Dec 6, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Fool proof logic

by TimmyGee on Dec 6, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

I definitely think a small part of our struggles have been poor field position from kick returns. We either start a half deep in our own territory or we have to respond to our opponents score back there. I’d hope Nelson at least gets an opportunity, because its still a big need we have to address.

by Mc5 on Dec 6, 2011 2:43 PM EST reply actions