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Patriots special teams snapshot

Email|Link|Comments (7) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff July 19, 2008 08:00 AM

Junior Seau (left) and Kelley Washington (15) celebrate. (Jim Davis / Globe Staff)

Sixth in a series of position snapshots leading into Patriots training camp, focusing on special teams:

STRENGTH	Kickoff return game. The Patriots employ one of the NFL’s more explosive kickoff return units. The kickoff return crew ranked fourth in kickoff return average in 2007, at 25.2 yards. The success often helped the club win the all-important field-position game.
WEAKNESS	Distance in the kicking game. Although Stephen Gostkowski was 21-of-24 on field-goal attempts during the regular season, his long was 45 yards (which partially was a result of the club employing such an explosive offense). Then in Super Bowl XLII, the club passed up a potential 48-yard field goal -- on fourth-and-13 -- early in the second half.
TOP QUESTIONS	Can Gostkowski generate consistency and confidence from plus 45 yards? After fending off a spring challenge from two other punters, is Chris Hanson in the clear? Who steps in as the primary return men if the Patriots decide to preserve cornerback Ellis Hobbs (cornerback) and receiver Wes Welker (receiver) for their “full-time” jobs?
INSTANT ANALYSIS	Special teams coach Brad Seely is one of the best in the NFL, and the performance of New England special teams units reflects his influence. Also to be noted is how the club devotes large chunks of practice time to special teams, which past players have pointed out is different from some other clubs for which they’ve played. One of the Patriots’ initial free-agent signings this year was receiver Sam Aiken, who is known for his special teams prowess, and he should help the coverage and return units. Rookies Terrence Wheatley (2nd round) and Matthew Slater (5th round) have a chance to emerge as returners. Linebacker Pierre Woods led the club with 22 special teams tackles in 2007.
FUTURE	Kicker Stephen Gostkowski is signed through 2009, while this is the final year of punter Chris Hanson’s deal. Long snapper Lonie Paxton re-upped this offseason on a one-year deal – with the club paying a $150,000 signing bonus, a nice figure which reflects how the team values his often-overlooked role.

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7 comments so far...

The picture caption should be Junior Seau and Kelly Washington; not Larry Izzo

Posted by Michael July 19, 08 09:40 AM

Is Kelley Washington going to resume his role as the gunner, especially on punts? He knocked at least a half dozen punts out of touchback territory last year, and even more impressively did not say squat about not getting much of a chance as a WR. is he going to be added to the mix more as a WR this year?

Posted by Jeff from Alexandria July 19, 08 10:23 AM

Well, it's actually Seau and Washington in the picture...

Posted by Mike July 19, 08 11:59 AM

BB made a costly mistake not letting Gostkowski attempt the 48 yard field goal in the Super Bowl in a domed stadium. I believe that story published by that other paper caused a pall on many of our senses that Sunday,(I am being nice,Mike)

Posted by ampats July 19, 08 12:22 PM

Thanks Michael and Mike. I did fix that later in the day.

Jeff from Alexandria, I do think Washington will resume his role as a gunner this year. I also think he'll be in the mix for the 3-4-5 receiver roles.

Posted by Mike Reiss July 19, 08 04:35 PM

Mike, reading your "snap-shots" has caused my Pats' football juices to start flowing again big-time!! September can't come soon enough!!

I'm excited about the potential of the Pats' kick return game. Slater and Wheatley could be dynamite return men...joining what was the 4th best return unit in the NFL. Hopefully, one of these guys will emerge to provide Hobbs and Welker some relief. Will Slater be the Pats' version of Devin Hester/Joshua Cribbs?

I too am concerned about the "distance kicking game". Hansen, though dependable, doesn't have the leg to kick the Pats out of awful field position. Stephen Gostkowski, after an outstanding rookie year in 2006, has seemed to regress. His kickoffs don't seem to be traveling as far...and his "makable" FG range appears to be 42 yards and in. Perhaps we have all been spoiled by the former presence of Benedict Adam...but what in the Sam Hill is going on if the Pats' kicker can't be counted on to have at least a 75% chance of nailing a 48 yard FG in perfect, domed stadium conditions?

Mike, what are your thoughts on Larry Izzo? Now in his mid-thirties, has he seen better days? With a precious few roster slots available, has the time come to replace him on special teams with a younger, more athletic LB, who might eventually develop into a starter (Bo Ruud, Gary Guyton, Vince Redd, Oscar Lua)?

Posted by TexasPat July 19, 08 04:42 PM

how good is matthew slater supose to be is he going to be a deadly returnman similar to devin hester or josh cribbs? what is he exspected to do i can't seem to find any youtube clips of him.

Posted by Peter July 19, 08 06:02 PM