I think we need to keep Savage, not Sams.

Sams played things safe, especially in the first couple of games. Fair catches that even in a regular season would have made fans groan. When Sams did return the ball in the early games, he looked like he would take what people gave him, but no more. In the last couple of games, I recall three pretty good returns. Whether it was because of the blocking or because of his experience and ability to anticipate a lane — I don’t know. But he found a seam.

Savage tended to take it up through the wedge, and he found a hole, then broke some tackles and worked better in tight spaces than Sams, imo. ChiefDJ said this, which probably represents quite a few people.

Sure he’s spunky and has tons of heart and is exactly the kind of player you want on your team

Where did the impression of spunk and heart come from? I’d venture to say not from on-camera interviews or peeks into the locker room. It came from Savage’s twisting and turning; his refusal to go down once he encountered the opposition. He makes extra yards where Sams wouldn’t. That’s where we get the impression. Savage earned it. Savage will inflict damage on the other team.

How about Savage’s damage to his own team? The fumble last night was the most troublesome. His inability to recognize a short punt and catch it before it hits the ground is his second biggest problem right now. (But I’d guess that Sams would simply decide to let it go anyway, and run away from those opportunities.) Regarding the fumble, how much did he fumble in college? I haven’t heard of that being a problem. (Unlike Charles, where that’s his biggest knock at the moment.) Regarding Savage’s inability to recognize the short kicks and go get them — I don’t think that will take long to build up competency there. Give him time. We are rebuilding, after all.

The step out of bounds? Careless, perhaps. Rookie mistake maybe. I just think it was a very tough play. If I were the special teams coach, I would point that Juggs machine at the corner and have those guys work at making decision and fielding kicks in that area. That was a very difficult position for any returner — rookie or veteran. Just like the kick-offs that land at the 15 yard line and bounce first. They’re tricky sometimes.

Savage’s actual catching of the kicks/punts seems solid. I think he can do it. I like his spunk. a.k.a. willingness to take a risk, which has been increased due to the preseason nature of making a team, of course. I like his heart. a.k.a. not going down on first contact. I would keep Savage. Somebody will. That’s for sure.