Dolphins' special teams need to be more special

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Last year the special team started off very rough." "And statistically, in this league, when you don't get off to a fast start it takes you a while to dig out of the hole. We gave up way too many plays last year. But I think that toward the end, down the stretch … we really improved a great deal. I fully expect us to get off to a much better start this year."

They must.

The Dolphins were 24th in the NFL in kick coverage and 29th in punt coverage. They allowed 12.8 yards per punt return, while gaining 9.8. They allowed 24.3 per kick return, while gaining 20.2. Just as it was remarkable the Dolphins won 11 games, so many by small margins while often struggling in the conventional run offense, it was equally remarkable that they won those games while giving away field position. They compensated with extraordinary efficiency in other areas, avoiding turnovers and penalties.

That efficiency will be difficult to repeat. So it is critical to perform better, from start to finish, on special teams.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/sfl-skolnick-bonamego-s072809sbjul28,0,6853875.column

 

[ParcellsProphet]

Wow...Couldnt agree more...Our 3rd phase (Special Teams) was horrendous on kick coverage and sub-par on returns. The only bright spots were consistent FG kicking, Carpenter really surprised me last year he was impressive and even fields is a pretty good punter, but the coverage teams and return teams have to step it up this year. That would be huge in defending our AFC East Crown. hopefully, players like Hartline, Clemons and Wake can make the difference on coverage. And Ted Ginn has to make some plays on special teams, although i like Bess, he just doesnt have the breakaway speed, but he will get positive yardage unlike Ginn every once in awhile who runs side ways too much, bess runs straight toward the end zone getting at least 10 on punt returns.

 

[ArmyFin7]

I think with the players we've brought in and the rule changes, our coverage unit should be better. I still think we lack an elite return man.

 

[moley6969]

for me the stud special teams players will be
walden,clemens,smith,wake,culver,hartline and maybe jones

this will be the most improved part of our team[thats not difficult tho!!]



does anyone think white will get time as a return guy?

 

[X-Pacolypse]

for me the stud special teams players will be
walden,clemens,smith,wake,culver,hartline and maybe jones

this will be the most improved part of our team[thats not difficult tho!!]



does anyone think white will get time as a return guy?

No way.

 

[Lorenzo Rules]

dont make laugh , white as a reurn man? I think Sage Rosenfields has a better chance to be a hall of fame qb .

 

[moley6969]

The miami Dolphins have themselves a gem because Pat White gives them versatility to be used as a quarterback with speed or line up as a receiver in a slot formation to create with his legs. Pat White will probably see time as a kick returner as well. The versatility of White will give the Dolphins more options and expand their playbook. This should allow them to stretch the field with the defense and allow them to put more points on the scoreboard.

quote via AC sports

 

[canesandbhoys]

Calling Ted Ginn. Repeat, Ted Ginn.

 

[Jimi]

Ted showed flashes. I would still love to see him used again, hopefully the development he has made over the last 2 years will translate to his return game that was so effective at OSU.