Patriots Special Teams Reborn: Springer’s Impact and the Key Players Driving the Turnaround
The New England Patriots’ special teams unit is undergoing a significant transformation, and the architect of this resurgence is Special Teams Coordinator Jeremy Springer. After a disappointing 2023 season, where the special teams ranked near the bottom of the league, the Patriots are banking on Springer’s expertise and a revamped roster to spark a turnaround. With a focus on consistency, Springer is implementing a new approach that emphasizes teaching, leadership, and inspiration.
Springer’s Vision: A Foundation of Fundamentals
Jeremy Springer joined the Patriots in 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the NFL and college ranks. Prior to New England, he served as an assistant special teams coach for the Los Angeles Rams and held coordinator positions at Arizona and Marshall. Springer’s philosophy centers around a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to developing players’ fundamental skills.
“You always look at the first game of the year, and there’s so many things you can get corrected,” said Springer. “And that’s why I really wanted to harp on our guys, we played very well, but at the end of the day, when you really look at the at the film, there’s a lot of things we can correct, and we can play even better into a higher standard. And I really want our guys to take that in, because if we can get to that standard, then we can really, really help our team win games.”
Springer’s impact was immediately felt. In Week 1 of the 2024 season, the Patriots’ special teams showcased significant improvement, earning an initial ranking of eighth by FTN Fantasy after ranking near the bottom in Special Teams DVOA for the past two seasons.
Key Players Leading the Charge
Several key players are instrumental in the Patriots’ special teams revival:
- Joe Cardona (Long Snapper): A seasoned veteran and now the team’s longest-tenured player, Cardona’s leadership and consistency are invaluable. In 2024, he was named a captain for the first time in his career.
- Bryce Baringer (Punter): Baringer’s performance in 2024 was up-and-down, but he ultimately improved in net yards per punt, I-20 percentage, and return yards allowed compared to his rookie year.
- Brenden Schooler (Safety/Special Teams): Schooler has quickly become a special teams star in New England. In 2025, Schooler was named to the First-Team All-Pro team. He finished the 2024 season with 13 tackles and two sacks.
- Dell Pettus (Safety/Special Teamer): Pettus made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He played in all 17 games during his rookie campaign.
The Kicker Carousel: Finding Stability
One of the biggest question marks for the Patriots’ special teams in recent years has been the kicker position. The team struggled to find a reliable option in 2023, with rookie Chad Ryland leading the league in missed field goals. Ryland was eventually waived and landed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he showed significant improvement.
In 2024, Joey Slye won the kicking job. However, Slye signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, leaving the Patriots once again in search of a kicker. Currently, John Parker Romo is the only kicker on the roster. Special Teams Coordinator Jeremy Springer has stated that the team plans to bring in another kicker to compete with Romo for the starting job.
The Road Ahead: Building a Special Teams Dynasty
The Patriots’ special teams unit has a rich history of success, dating back to the Bill Belichick era. With Jeremy Springer at the helm, the team is striving to restore that tradition of excellence. By focusing on fundamentals, developing key players, and finding stability at the kicker position, the Patriots are laying the foundation for a special teams dynasty.