The huge impact of special teams

[HungryLion]

Last night our special teams made a massive impact on the game.

they blocked a field goal.

Turpin got us into field goal range on a big punt return.


That’s 6 points directly attributed to special teams. In a game the cowboys win by 7.

Maher has also been great so far.

One thing we have to give McCarthy credit for is hiring Bones Fassell and putting such an emphasis on special teams. Under the garret regime our special teams almost never made big plays.

Over the last couple of years they have been key in winning a bunch of games and they continue to be so.

It’s so nice to have.

 

[Scottishcowboy]

Good post and point well made.

It's always easy to focus on O and D and ignore the impact special teams can have on the outcome of a game but when it's close, it matters.

 

[Vtwin]

I hold my breath every time Turpin gathers the ball. He always makes at least something happen.

I'll take strong D, strong ST and average O all day over what we've had the last 8 years or so.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

I think it's just a matter of time before Turpin breaks one, and takes it for a touchdown, but flipping the field is huge as the OP pointed out.

 

[HungryLion]

I hold my breath every time Turpin gathers the ball. He always makes at least something happen.

I'll take strong D, strong ST and average O all day over what we've had the last 8 years or so.

That’s what wins big football games. Especially when the weather gets cold out.

 

[MS17]

IIRC, the Giants *(Gano) kicked to Turpin with the opening kickoff. (to the 10 or 15+- yl). Would somebody who knows a lot more than I do explain that? shanked? Giants special teams played poorly.

 

[ClappingCarrot]

Don't forget the brilliance of Bryan Anger.

Jerry wouldn't let Chris Jones go for years and that was maddening. You're seeing the impact a punter can make.

 

[Risen Star]

Don't act like you know the game, PresGOAT.

 

[visionary]

Last night our special teams made a massive impact on the game.

they blocked a field goal.

Turpin got us into field goal range on a big punt return.


That’s 6 points directly attributed to special teams. In a game the cowboys win by 7.

Maher has also been great so far.

One thing we have to give McCarthy credit for is hiring Bones Fassell and putting such an emphasis on special teams. Under the garret regime our special teams almost never made big plays.

Over the last couple of years they have been key in winning a bunch of games and they continue to be so.

It’s so nice to have.

Importance of STs is way underrated IMO

 

[Hoofbite]

It's actually nice to have confidence in this unit. Haven't had any in a while.

I just wish the kickoff spot was moved back to the 20 so Turpin could get some chances. Touchbacks every time kind of kill things.

 

[maryquality]

It's actually nice to have confidence in this unit. Haven't had any in a while.

I just wish the kickoff spot was moved back to the 20 so Turpin could get some chances. Touchbacks every time kind of kill things.

Yeah. All these changes made in the name of "player safety". Pffttt.....

 

[HungryLion]

Don't act like you know the game, PresGOAT.

Our defensive tackles still suck bro.

 

[Pass2Run]

Excellent post.

 

[MarcusRock]

I think it's just a matter of time before Turpin breaks one, and takes it for a touchdown, but flipping the field is huge as the OP pointed out.

I'm fine with him just flipping the field. People were hyping him as the next Devin Hester getting us a TD every other week but the step up to the NFL is no joke. I've always said just give us better starting field position in general and I'll be happy. TDs are bonus. He'll get a few.

 

[Bobhaze]

I think it's just a matter of time before Turpin breaks one, and takes it for a touchdown, but flipping the field is huge as the OP pointed out.

Great punt returners do several things:
1. Field punts without letting them hit the ground, thus saving tons of field position yardage. (Ryan Switzer was the worst at this- he led the league in letting punts hit the ground)
2. Improve field position-even a 10 yard return can be huge.
3. Are completely reliable fielding punts- it is a very underrated skill to be able to cleanly field a punt without muffing it.
4. Have the ability to take it to the house- Turpin has that ability each time he fields a punt or kickoff.