9. Don’t forget about special teams
Often overlooked, performance on special teams can play a significant role in championship games (e.g. Desmond Howard in Super Bowl XXXI). While much of the focus is on the kickers – New England’s Stephen Gostkowski and New York’s Lawrence Tynes (pictured) – don’t forget the coverage units. Both teams have dangerous returners and, given that it’s a one-game-takes-all scenario, look for both clubs to pull out all the stops. The Patriots had Laurence Maroney returning kicks in the AFC Championship Game, and he can be explosive in that role.
Often overlooked, performance on special teams can play a significant role in championship games (e.g. Desmond Howard in Super Bowl XXXI). While much of the focus is on the kickers – New England’s Stephen Gostkowski and New York’s Lawrence Tynes (pictured) – don’t forget the coverage units. Both teams have dangerous returners and, given that it’s a one-game-takes-all scenario, look for both clubs to pull out all the stops. The Patriots had Laurence Maroney returning kicks in the AFC Championship Game, and he can be explosive in that role.
(Reuters Photo)