When discussing roster predictions, ascending talents, rookies, etc, so much of it comes down to their impact on special teams. yet it's very rare to find any information on those position battles and performances. i always find it interesting to see who is lining up where on specials, and figured I'd post some insight into how that develops thru the preseason. I'll focus on who lines up with the 4 Core special team units: Punt, Punt Return, Kickoff Coverage, and Kickoff Return, as well as any standout performances, and new twists April brings to the table. Can't read too much into it initially, as they are just trying people in a bunch of places for the first preseason game. As the games go on though, you start to get a much better idea of who will be contributing on those units. it's an insane amount of interest for ST's no doubt, but it's preseason and relevant so why not. I'm happy to discuss anything special teams here......
It's a tough situation for some guys like Erin Henderson, Darrin Walls, Kellen Davis, Jason Babin, etc. Veterans in this league whom aren't accustomed to playing on coverage teams yet given the fact that that they're fighting for backup spots they seemingly have no choice but to contribute on these units. It's generally where veteran backups slowly fade out of the league because there's not enough roster spots for veteran specialists unless they're exceptional at their job. It'll definitely be interesting.
Preseason Game 1 Punt Team Line: Mays, Davis, Purdum (LS), Reilly, Mauldin Wings: Amaro, D Richardson Punt Protector: B Powell Gunners: Walls, Hakim Punter: Quigley Quigley had a 46 net yd avg, while Schumm had a 36 net. Quigley was very fortunate tho, with a shanked kick which took a great roll, and Hakim all over it to ensure no return. that effort by Hakim was one of better ST's plays of night. Punt Return Team Line: Bohanon, Amaro, Davis, Henderson, Reilly/Mays, D Richardson Linebacker (Upback): Walls Jammers: Hakim, McDougle, Phillips Returner: Kerley Kerley with a couple decent returns Noticed April wasn't doubling the gunners, instead leaving a lead blocker deep for the returner.. might just be trying things out, but seemed a little odd to me
Preseason Game 1 Kickoff Coverage L5 Walls L4 Lewis L3 Cumberland L2 Lattimore L1 (Gunner) Hakim K Folk R1 (Gunner) D Richardson R2 Reilly R3 Bohanon R4 Enunwa R5 Miles Noticed April puts the Gunners on the inside. little different than last season where the Gunners were outside in the 4 spots Hakim, Lewis, and Walls contributed on tackles in first half Kick Return Front Line: Walls, Mauldin, Reilly, Lattimore, Mays, McDougle Second Line: Davis Wedge: Douzable, Cumberland Upback: B Powell Returner: W Powell (Hakim) Nice 48yd return by Walt Powell in first half
Howsare made a nice open field tackle on the punt team in the 3rd quarter. Instead of touchbacks on kickoff why don't kickers practice kicking it higher and close to the goal line? Kick it high to give your team time to get downfield and aim for the goal line to force the other team to field it. I realize it's more difficult than I make it sound but that seems like the best way to pin the other team inside the 20.
I actually thought the special teams was the only bright spot in the first preseason game. Might have to rewatch it to be sure but I remember special teams looked decent.
yes, good catch regarding Howsare. it's an interesting thought regarding the kickoff. most coaches are more than content kicking it 9yds deep if they can, and taking the touchback. safe and boring. Westhoff i bet would be scheming ways to maximize the play. i could see him trying more high pooches like you mention........matter of fact i believe i've heard him discuss that. i also really like Westhoff's suggestion to make the play more like a Punt return. that way there is no running start, or lines of players colliding with a head of steam, thus satisfying the safety objective without sacrificing the play or field position advantage in the process.
yeah overall the special teams had a solid performance. some nice returns by Powell and Kerley. good distance punts, even with fortunate bounces. coverage was ok. nothing crazy, but good overall.
great article with Westhoff's take on the state of special teams. really great idea on how the kickoff could be modified to keep it a relevant and exciting part of the game....with diagram explaining. http://mmqb.si.com/2013/10/04/mike-westhoff-special-teams
Preseason Game 2 - Starting Units italics indicates change from prior week Punt Team Line: Mays, Cumberland, Purdum, Reilly, Mauldin Wings: Enunwa, D Richardson Punt Protector: Bohanon/B Powell Gunners: Skrine, Hakim Punter: Quigley Punt Return Line: Miles, Barnes, Lynch, Mays, Stacy LB: T Jones Jammers: Phillips, Skrine, M Williams, Lyn Returner: Kerley Kickoff Coverage L5 Walls L4 Graham L3 Cumberland L2 Lattimore L1 (Gunner) Phillips K Folk R1 (Gunner) D Richardson R2 T Jones R3 Reilly R4 Enunwa R5 Miles Kick Return Front Line: Walls, Mauldin, Reilly, Lattimore, Mays, Skrine Second Line/Wedge: Cumberland, Douzable, Davis Upback: D Richardson Returner: Powell
Preseason Game 2 review - some new guys being tried out with first teams. Skrine, Enunwa, Taiwan Jones, Phillips - Punting accuracy was good, with 4 punts Inside 20. 2 of those were even inside the 10. - However, net punt avg was only a dismal 36 yds, largely due to Hester's huge return. Purdum whiffed on the tackle. Hang time didn't appear very good, and coverage was poor in general on the night. - Bohanon took a unnecessary roughness hitting the returner (i guess too high). terrible call. Hosware decked a guy who called fair catch. bad play by Howsare. - Punt Return unit was almost all different players from last week. - Kerley avg 5.7 yds on returns. Javier Arenas looked more explosive to me, and avg 10.3 yds. - noticed they are trying to kickoff more to corners. Folk took an out of bounds penalty in the process. - Powell took all the kick returns, and looked ok averaging 20yds per return. would like to see Arenas or Graham field some as well. - Folk 2/2 on FG's for the night, from 36yds and 29yds out. no problem on the Xtra points, which i believe is about a 32yd kick now. All in all, due to penalties and punt coverage, not a very good night on ST's..
Kerley reminds me of Wayne Chrebet returning punts, which is not a compliment...Quigley is not good, his best punt downed at the 4 was a shank that rolled 20 yards....Purdum better learn to tackle, he looks like placekicker trying to tackle people
In fairness to Bohannon the fair catch signal was weak, but you have to keep your head up or you'll get planted
was it a fair catch call? i never saw the returner wave for one. thought maybe they flagged him for hitting too high or too hard or something stupid.
Thanks for this stuff, I never really bothered to check out the special teams even though I would like to, it's pretty interesting if you really pay attention to it.
