How do we fix Special Teams?

[KI Skins Fan]

What a horror show ST's was in 2013! ST's must be fixed, but how? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this topic. I'll start the discussion with a couple of my own thoughts on the topic.

I'm thinking we should sign a return specialist in FA. Richard Crawford has shown that he can do a good job on PR but I think he'll have a bigger role as a DB in 2014 and I'd hate to see him exposed to injury as a return man.

The first player that comes to my mind is Dexter McCluster. He is truly explosive and he can contribute big plays on offense, as well. Jacoby Jones is also a very good return man who could play some at WR. We could go for pure speed by signing Ted Ginn who is a good returner but probably wouldn't do much as a WR.

I'm also wondering if it makes sense to sign a FA who has been a good ST gunner. That would really help our coverage teams to improve right away.

Our ST's were so horribly bad and hurt us so much last season, should we consider some unusual roster moves (for us) to fix them quickly?

[Chico23231]

1.Better coverage scheme and coaching 2. Get a fuckin kr/pr for once 3. New punter

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

1.Better coverage scheme and coaching 2. Get a fuckin kr/pr for once 3. New punter

I didn't mention Sav Rocca but I agree with you that he seems to be done.

[diehardskin2982]

It starts for me with drafting either Dri Archer or De'Anthony Thomas. These guy have killed it on special team in college and have rare athleticism and speed. I do not think Crawford did enough to be the full time guy on returns, he can be a key part of the unit, just not the returner. I also hope that we draft a WR that can play as a gunner on special teams such as Marcus Lucas. Lucas has great size and heart. I hope that we draft ILB Christian Jones who can play some special teams. Also adding strong depth players such as Husain Abdullah of KC and keeping Josh Hull would be a strong moves.

Sav Rocca has to go.

[SirLK26]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

What a horror show ST's was in 2013! ST's must be fixed, but how? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this topic. I'll start the discussion with a couple of my own thoughts on the topic.

I'm thinking we should sign a return specialist in FA. Richard Crawford has shown that he can do a good job on PR but I think he'll have a bigger role as a DB in 2014 and I'd hate to see him exposed to injury as a return man.

The first player that comes to my mind is Dexter McCluster. He is truly explosive and he can contribute big plays on offense, as well. Jacoby Jones is also a very good return man who could play some at WR. We could go for pure speed by signing Ted Ginn who is a good returner but probably wouldn't do much as a WR.

I'm also wondering if it makes sense to sign a FA who has been a good ST gunner. That would really help our coverage teams to improve right away.

Our ST's were so horribly bad and hurt us so much last season, should we consider some unusual roster moves (for us) to fix them quickly?

Richard Crawford is a pretty good PR, but if he starts in the slot, I don't want him back there either. I like the idea of signing a return specialist in FA. McCluster is the best choice, being only 25.

Perhaps we should bring in some UDFAs or draft picks who can play special teams. Guys like S Daniel Sorensen from BYU who have played well on STs in college. Younger guys are supposed to earn more playing time by playing STs, and if Rambo and Minnifield can't/won't, perhaps we should replace them with young players who can/will.

Like others said, Sav Rocca has to go. Either draft Kirby Van Der Kamp in the 5th-6th round, or sign Pat O'Donnell as an UDFA.

But I think the biggest problem last year was Burns. I'm confident Kotwica will help as much as anything.

[MTK]

Better coaching should go a long way. I feel like teams needs a leader too. Alexander left a big void there.

[los panda]

we never sign the best punter fa punter available

[Daseal]

I believe we need some core pieces to our ST, primarily a punter. That said, I believe the biggest direct impact of our cap penalty showed at the special teams level. When you lack that much money you're going to cut your depth over starters. Typically your backup LBs, TEs, etc are your ST studs. We haven't had the money available to have a lot of mid-range players in backup roles. I think we see a natural improvement to our ST simply due to the quality of backup we have on our team. That and coaching. We should have re-hired Burns again just to re-fire him.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by Daseal

I believe we need some core pieces to our ST, primarily a punter. That said, I believe the biggest direct impact of our cap penalty showed at the special teams level. When you lack that much money you're going to cut your depth over starters. Typically your backup LBs, TEs, etc are your ST studs. We haven't had the money available to have a lot of mid-range players in backup roles. I think we see a natural improvement to our ST simply due to the quality of backup we have on our team. That and coaching. We should have re-hired Burns again just to re-fire him.

Exactly. Special Teams are a direct reflection of the quality of depth on the team. A new ST coach, a new punter, an explosive returner with good hands, and improving the quality of the team's depth will be the recipe for "fixing" the Special Teams.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Daseal

I believe we need some core pieces to our ST, primarily a punter. That said, I believe the biggest direct impact of our cap penalty showed at the special teams level. When you lack that much money you're going to cut your depth over starters. Typically your backup LBs, TEs, etc are your ST studs. We haven't had the money available to have a lot of mid-range players in backup roles. I think we see a natural improvement to our ST simply due to the quality of backup we have on our team. That and coaching. We should have re-hired Burns again just to re-fire him.

This. We simply need about 15 better players

[Lotus]

We could sign McCluster as a return guy.

[Monkeydad]

1. Ship Rocca back to Australia, or better yet, Philadelphia.

2. Find a return man with functioning hands AND feet.

3. Keep Sundberg healthy. Give him whatever he wants...pre-game buffets, let the cheerleaders wear his number...

4. Let Niles Paul destroy as many people as he wants. 15 yard penalties, sure, but it will fire up the defense as they come onto the field.

[skinsfan69]

All I know is the new coach has his work cut out for him.

[SirLK26]

Another returner on the market, courtesy of New Orleans. I've always been a fan of Sproles, and I'd like to see him in burgundy and gold. Anybody else interested?

New Orleans Saints to release Darren Sproles - NFL.com

[Kindoy]

I think Sproles will end up on a contender. They must be high on Khiry Robinson.