Every year there always seems to be one thing that defines the NFL season, last season it was the year of the running back and specifically Chris Johnson. The year before it was the year of the QB, with Drew Brees and Peyton Manning re-writing the record books. This year we are seeing something different, something new, and something exciting.
Instead of seeing one individual dominating the league with their plays, we are witnessing the year of special teams, yes that's right I said special teams, the often forgotten members of the team. These are the kickers, punters, kick and punt returners, and blockers. Now don't misunderstand me, it has been both good and bad for special teams this season.
We have seen feats of excellence with 100+ yd kickoffs returned for touchdowns, punts blocked with the games on the line, and missed field goals that my grandmother could have probably made.
There is a saying around the NFL for kickers. "Your only as good as your last kick". Anybody remember Garett Hartley of the Saints. Last season he practically won the super bowl for the Saints. This year though has been a different story for him, after missing a 29 yd chipshot field goal in week 4, he was demoted to 2 string kicker. Anybody see the debacle of a performance the Dolphins displayed last monday, to begin the 2nd half they gave up a 103 yd kickoff return for a touchdown, then had 2 punts blocked, needless to say their special teams coach was fired the next day.
I personally enjoy watching this, because it requires a whole team effort to stop special team plays, as opposed to a single player effort.
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