Special teams coverage/returns

[Bunger Henry]

One thing that has not changed from last year is our poor kickoff coverage and returns. Last year we allowed teams to run it out to the 35 or worse. Yesterday we allowed returns to the 45. When we return kicks we barely make it to the 20. It's a blessing when we get to take a knee.

This deficiency has often been masked by our stellar defense, which has been good enough to make the field position of the opponent moot. But one day soon, this will come back to bite us.

We need improvement, and I think the best way to improve things would be to put some starters in on special teams coverage and special teams returns as blockers.

The argument against it is that we don't have the depth to spare in case an injury. I say that's playing scared. Yeah, it's a risk, but if you don't take a risk, you are playing "not to lose." You are not "playing to win." And in the end, your lack of aggression will cause you to never to excel. You may also avoid catastrophes, but you will never excel.

 

[gtyellowjackets]

Yeah, it was bad. I heard CG, on the post game radio show, say special teams were bad.

Teh first step to solving a problem is to acknowledge it. That's a good sign.

Now if we can get him to do the same with the playcalling...

 

[ramblinwise1]

Agree, you couldn't see much if any improvement in special teams last night.

 

[Lay em down & smackem Jackets]

I'm afraid the field position issue bit us Saturday night.

 

[pocket_watch]

We need improvement, and I think the best way to improve things would be to put some starters in on special teams coverage and special teams returns as blockers.

The argument against it is that we don't have the depth to spare in case an injury. I say that's playing scared. Yeah, it's a risk, but if you don't take a risk, you are playing "not to lose."

Well said. I still feel that CG has not grasped the difference between NFL talent and NCAA talent, in a relative way of course.

Maybe Chan needs to eliminate the word "Special" from special team. As he and we know, there are pro bowl NFL guys that only play special teams.
In college, he just needs to put the best people he can out there to gain an advantage.

Playing reserve guys on special teams, especially when depth is lacking is a recipe for the mess we have been seeing.
Why does he not understand this yet?

 

[hiveredtech]

One thing that has not changed from last year is our poor kickoff coverage and returns. Last year we allowed teams to run it out to the 35 or worse. Yesterday we allowed returns to the 45. When we return kicks we barely make it to the 20. It's a blessing when we get to take a knee.

This deficiency has often been masked by our stellar defense, which has been good enough to make the field position of the opponent moot. But one day soon, this will come back to bite us.

We need improvement, and I think the best way to improve things would be to put some starters in on special teams coverage and special teams returns as blockers.

The argument against it is that we don't have the depth to spare in case an injury. I say that's playing scared. Yeah, it's a risk, but if you don't take a risk, you are playing "not to lose." You are not "playing to win." And in the end, your lack of aggression will cause you to never to excel. You may also avoid catastrophes, but you will never excel.

What is even more amazing is Jon Tenuta helped Kelly prepare the special teams...and Chan Gailey.
Maybe there is so much focus on it there is some self-fulfilling prophecy going on with the players. Those three guys know how to coach special teams! Lets hope the outmatched opponents the next two weeks will let our special teams sow their oats and get into a rhythm on coverage.

 

[LongforDodd]

What is even more amazing is Jon Tenuta helped Kelly prepare the special teams...and Chan Gailey.
Maybe there is so much focus on it there is some self-fulfilling prophecy going on with the players. Those three guys know how to coach special teams! Lets hope the outmatched opponents the next two weeks will let our special teams sow their oats and get into a rhythm on coverage.

You can coach 'em all you want but if you don't have the skill guys to do the job, well....you see what happens.

 

[hiveredtech]

You can coach 'em all you want but if you don't have the skill guys to do the job, well....you see what happens.

We are 12 ships short this year...but I think the athletes are there. It is mental at this point...imho.

 

[76tornados]

Yeah, it was bad. I heard CG, on the post game radio show, say special teams were bad.

Teh first step to solving a problem is to acknowledge it. That's a good sign.

Now if we can get him to do the same with the playcalling...

I think he recognized our QB ineffeciencies 2 years ago. That is the first step, but making the changes is the most important. I lived in Americus for years, and change is one thing they don't like "round there". CCG will have to learn to loosen his buckle.

 

[augustabuzz]

I was frustrated on kickoffs after the 1st kick was almost returned. I noticed ND had #60 on the 30 closest to the sideline. Why not make him field the kick?