NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
Special teams players can be the unsung heroes of the team. Kick coverage can be the difference-maker in the battle of field position, and placement kickers can even win or lose the game if they’re not accurate. Fortunately for the Miami Dolphins, they’re not the worst in the league, but they can do better.
Deeper Roster
The hardest part about finding good special teams players is that they often come in the back half of the roster. Guys who made the team but aren’t at the level to unseat the starters. They might get playing time as a backup or when other players go down with an injury. With that being said, Miami could use a deeper roster to round out its special teams. They’ve got playmakers at the top of the roster, but they need guys who can win the battles on special teams. More specifically they need better return coverage.
Body Movers
The Dolphins have too much speed on the field not to have it reach its potential on returns. Whether it’s kick or punt returns Miami should have the top special teams unit on the field. The reason we’re not seeing it come into play is the lack of bodies being moved while blocking on returns. Yes, the new rules are making it harder for teams to get into open space and really stay ahead of defenders. However, there is rarely a clean lane for their returners to bring the ball back into the opponent’s territory. Miami needs big brutes who can move the guy in front of them.
Pinpoint Punter
While Jake Bailey might be in the top 10 in the league for punts, Miami should leave no stone unturned this offseason. With Bailey set to become an unrestricted free agent, the Dolphins need to either lock him down or find a suitable replacement. Their field goal unit isn’t half bad and the combination of Jason Sanders and Riley Patterson has given Miami great contributions, they’re not the top of the league in range. With that said, the Dolphins need a guy who can pin opponents deep in their own territory. They need more than a guy who can just boom a punt downfield. Remember when punters used to try and punt it out of bounds inside the 10? That’s what the Dolphins need, someone who can kick precisely enough to keep opponents inside their own 10 without the touchbacks.
The Miami Dolphins have a roster to overhaul this offseason and special teams might not be their top priority. However, every position should be looked at with the new GM and every unit could be improved.
