This one frustrated me too. I was pissed every time the returner was
pummeled and fumbled the ball whilst I had a slight lead or staging a
comeback. Actually it's fairly easy:
1. Select the returner (A or B) as soon as they break from the special
teams huddle, and just camp-out waiting for the kick.
2. If you have to call a "Fair Catch" then simply select (Y)

Why Madden doesn't just default to the returner as the selected player
is beyond me? Why would anyone want to be a lineman while the ball is
being put into play? - only to leave a poor computer drone hanging out
to dry as 3 opposing players attempt to knock him into
concussion-land? Again, I was completely frustrated and had to figure
this one out on my own as well.

Now, how do you turn the QB into the rusher? I play with Vick, but
haven't found a way for him to utilize his speed aside from dancing
around in the backfield avoiding would-be tacklers. It's like a
Ferrari with no gas. And as usual, the instructions overlooked this
one - or else I'm blind.