hR Special Teams Preview

What a difference a year makes. That is the old expression right? Well for the Redskins it is more apt to ask what a difference 5 months make. Around draft time this year we were looking to upgrade our special teams from last year’s uneven performance. During the draft we selected 4 players Manny White, Robert McCune, Jared Newberry, and Nehemiah Broughton were drafted specifically for their special team’s ability. Jeff Chandler was retained to battle with Jon Hall for the kicking duties. It seemed every job on special teams was open to that of competition, except for Tom Tupa the veteran and able legged punter.

Flash forward 5 months. Of the four 2nd day picks that focused on special teams, only Nemo remains on the roster. Manny White is on IR, Robert McCune is on the practice squad and Jared Newberry was released early and is up in New England now. The Competition between Jon Hall and Jeff Chandler fizzled as Hall has returned to his old form and easily retained his spot. Tupa however ended up on IR and young Andy Groom, brought in as Training Camp fodder, has a chance to be the Redskins punter for not only this year but the next decade if his punts continue to boom down the field.

Now that the final roster is set the Redskins are looking for consistency. Last year the special teams were indirectly affected by all the injuries. As starter’s were injured on offense and defense the replacement starters were taken off special team’s duties to prevent injuries there. This was a constant challenge to Danny Smith and his staff had to make do with a Gerry-rigged special team squad almost every week. The injuries were not just limited to regular position players; John Hall was injured through out the year forcing the Redskins to find a replacement kicker not once, but twice. Ola Kimrin earlier in the year took over and then went back to Sweden. When He could not come back because of immigration problems (I blame George W. Bush after all he is from Texas) Jeff Chandler came in and was serviceable. The Redskins hope to have a more stable year this time around.

Kickoff Coverage Unit
They have some dedicated special teams players like James Thrash, Rock Cartwright, Ade (grumble) Jimoh, Khari Campbell, as well as newcomers Omar Stoutmire, Pierson Prioleau, And Nehemiah Broughton to populate the various teams units and their experience should lead to improvement. Most of those players will be on the Kickoff Coverage team. John Hall’s return to this unit will definitely have a positive effect. Last year the replacement kickers did not get the ball long enough or high enough. Hall’s leg is live and rested and will definitely result in better coverage.

Punt Coverage Unit
With Tupa on IR this becomes one of the most worrisome units of the whole Special teams. Some would argue that with last year’s poor offense Tupa was our offensive MVP. Andy Groom has big shoes to fill, however we already know he has got a huge leg to do it. If he can learn to directional kick and get some decent hang time he could be in Burgundy and Gold for the next Decade. James Thrash and Omar Stoutmire will probably be the gunners. Thrash is excellent at this downing many punts inside the 5 last year.

Field Goal Unit
Redskin fans are hoping to see the John Hall of old return and if the pre-season is any indication they will. His kicks have been long and true. He may not be the most accurate but any time we cross the opponents 40 we are in range of Hall’s leg. Ethan Allbright is the long snapper and again just perfect. Groom will be the holder and he is not very experienced, but he did well in the preseason and if the chemistry gets going between these three the Redskins will be just fine.

Return Units
Antonio Brown is the main return guy on punts and kickoffs this year. He took over the return duties mid –season when Chad Morton went on IR and then won the job outright in the off season. He is ultra fast and has some decent moves. However he has had some hand issues in the past as evident against Dallas last year where he fumbled a punt return that could have helped us seal the game. Ladell Betts is a great 2nd return man for Kickoffs and will serve as an effective "lead blocker” for Brown.

So here is hoping that the special teams will be just that this year, “Special”. And not short yellow bus “Special”. But “Special” as in a building block to the playoffs.