Not so special teams

[Galian Beast]

Dwayne Harris' longest kick return was 42 yards this year. All year it felt like he was wearing cement shoes. His longest punt return was 38 yards.

Don't know if I can just blame him or our blocking as well.

Dan Bailey missed 6 kicks this year on 32 kicks. A lot of people were crying outrage that he didn't make it to the pro bowl, yet it was clear even before he missed two field goals in the playoffs, that he wasn't having a great year. Here some of it definitely falls on his blocking, but he hasn't been the same this year. His poor play in the playoffs definitely contributing towards our loss, and that is devastating given how much we have turned to him, and how much we paid him to be an elite kicker.

I think as we look to bounce back stronger next year we shouldn't overlook how bad the special teams have been. Don't think Bissachia should be here next year, and I don't think Harris should be here next year. If Dan Bailey doesn't bounce back next year, I'd have zero problem with cutting him. Even saying that sounds crazy given who Bailey was the last two years..., but I don't see why we'd pay a kicker the same as a starter on defense when he can't be relied on.

 

[john van brocklin]

Dwayne Harris' longest kick return was 42 yards this year. All year it felt like he was wearing cement shoes. His longest punt return was 38 yards.

Don't know if I can just blame him or our blocking as well.

Dan Bailey missed 6 kicks this year on 32 kicks. A lot of people were crying outrage that he didn't make it to the pro bowl, yet it was clear even before he missed two field goals in the playoffs, that he wasn't having a great year. Here some of it definitely falls on his blocking, but he hasn't been the same this year. His poor play in the playoffs definitely contributing towards our loss, and that is devastating given how much we have turned to him, and how much we paid him to be an elite kicker.

I think as we look to bounce back stronger next year we shouldn't overlook how bad the special teams have been. Don't think Bissachia should be here next year, and I don't think Harris should be here next year. If Dan Bailey doesn't bounce back next year, I'd have zero problem with cutting him. Even saying that sounds crazy given who Bailey was the last two years..., but I don't see why we'd pay a kicker the same as a starter on defense when he can't be relied on.

Agree 100%
I posted some of the same thoughts yesterday but they got swept away in all the posts about the loss.
Our special teams should get an upgrade either in coaching changes, and or player upgrades.

 

[TheCoolFan]

Special teams was mediocre this season. Don't forget the problems the punt team had - blocked punt vs. Seattle and then the mishaps vs. Philly, Indianapolis (Colts player dropping the catch doesn't excuse them), and Detroit.

Bissacia is supposed to be one of the best in the business too so it's puzzling

 

[Danger]

Harris does contribute a lot to special teams. Gunner, punt returner and kick off returner. He even gets snaps at receiver. Don't know why he took such a nose dive on returns this year

 

[Galian Beast]

Harris does contributes a lot to special teams. Gunner, punt returner and kick off returner. He even gets snaps at receiver. Don't know why he took such a nose dive on returns this year

I agree with you, but I think you can get guys like that for a lot cheaper than what you're going to have to pay Harris for the veteran minimum.

 

[craig71]

Like Harris but it is time to move on and bring in a younger/cheaper option.


Craig