Supersonic Davis Lambeau Leaps Into Punt Return Job

It didn't take long for Trevor Davis to all but solidify his job as the Packers' punt return man. In fact, it only took a little over 18 minutes into the team's first preseason game. 

Sprung free by blocks from Marwin Evans and Jordan Tripp, Davis had the clear lane to run back the full 68 yards. Within moments, he was streaking down the sideline and giving Eagles punter Donnie Jones the slimmest of chances in catching him. A cheetah may have stood a better chance, because Davis was fast.

Very fast.

"Everyone sealed their blocks off perfectly," Davis said after the game. "I hit it up the middle just to get leverage on certain defenders and then bounced it right back out towards the punter. Knowing I'm one-on-one with the punter, those are just pretty good odds."

Davis' 4.42 speed flashed, illuminated under the lights of Lambeau Field as he tied the game at six with his touchdown, Mason Crosby soon giving the Packers the one-point lead after his extra point. It was the biggest play of the game for the Packers, and it belonged to a player who needed the redemption the most.

The special teams unit was arguably the strongest part of the Packers' first exhibition game, as punter Justin Vogel also averaged over 44 yards a punt and pinned five of his six kicks inside the 20. For now, the Packers have a little more clarity on special teams. However, the long-snapper and holder operation is still in question, despite no mental hiccups last night.

What they're looking for in the field goal operation is consistency, something they lacked after Family Night. In Davis' case, consistency is exactly what he's looking for.

Davis also ran back his second return for 26 yards, giving him a 47-yard average on his two returns last night. That'll do more than win you the job in Green Bay—that kind of efficiency will make opposing punters kick it towards the opposite sideline.

Davis performs a Lambeau Leap after his punt return for a touchdown in the Packers' 24-9 win. (The Post-Crescent/USA TODAY Sports)

"It gives you a little more confidence, gets your butterflies out," Davis said. "It's just a stepping stone to the next thing, it's nothing up high. It's just another game, another productive play."

After a dismal season in which a fumble ultimately ended it for him, he didn't return a single punt or kickoff after the stomping from the Titans in Tennessee last season. It's ultimately what caused him to send special teams coordinator Ron Zook tapes of him catching and returning punts over the offseason.

It was something that no player under Zook has ever done before, according to him.

"It was a testament to Zook, a testament to the return team, really," Davis said in another interview with ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "A lot of guys can make that return, I feel like. The guys blocked it up perfectly and we've been working on it for a long time.

If anything, Davis wanted to prove he was committed to improving, and if how he handled his first couple opportunities of the preseason, he's off to a great start.

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (6)

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croatpackfan's picture

August 11, 2017 at 11:53 am

I'm stunned that referees did not flaged that scary hit on Malachi. It was cleraly hit wiht the crown of the helmet. That was not by accident, it was intention of the player. Can anyone give me explanation, I might be wrong...

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Finwiz's picture

August 11, 2017 at 12:16 pm

Yeah you are wrong. It wasn't clear. See other thread for my comment. Ref was right there with hand on flag.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 12, 2017 at 03:18 am

I watched that several times. It is clear crown of the helmet hit. Referee need to go to ophtalmologist for sure...

EDIT: If I understood correctly, Mike McCarthy also think that hits on Randall and Malachi were illegal! To finish discussion!

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flackcatcher's picture

August 12, 2017 at 05:13 am

Refs had problems all night adjusting to game speed. Even with these crews working in past seasons, it takes time for them to come together as a unit. If the last season is any guide, most NFL crews won't be 'game ready' till the 5th or 6 regular season game. Expect more miss calls.

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TKWorldWide's picture

August 14, 2017 at 05:35 pm

Yes.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 12, 2017 at 10:15 am

I decided to write this, as many of you was writing disparagingly regarding LaDarius Gunter. He played well, mayde few good tackles, while he was playing star position, middle of the field was not so open and he used brain on punt return. He was the last Packers player to help Travis in his return. And he did not try to block Eagles punter, but stopped corner who was chasing Travor. Very clever and proper reaction!

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