Beyond the Big Plays: Unveiling the Hidden Special Teams Trends That Will Define the 2025 NFL Season
The roar of the crowd, the flashing lights, and the bone-jarring hits – these are the images that typically come to mind when we think about NFL football. But beneath the surface of highlight-reel plays and superstar quarterbacks lies a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of the game: special teams. In 2024, the Washington Commanders demonstrated the importance of special teams by improving their overall grade by +38.7. As we gear up for the 2025 season, it’s time to look beyond the big plays and delve into the hidden special teams trends that will separate contenders from pretenders.
The Evolving Role of the Kicker: More Than Just a Leg
For years, the kicker was viewed as a specialist, someone brought in solely to convert field goals and extra points. However, the modern NFL kicker is evolving into a true weapon, capable of influencing field position and even changing the momentum of a game.
Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers exemplified this trend in 2024. Dicker not only set a Chargers single-season record with nine makes from 50-plus yards but also achieved a franchise-best 92.9% make rate on field goals. His reliability and range provide the Chargers with a significant advantage, allowing them to attempt longer field goals with confidence and put points on the board in challenging situations.
Looking ahead, expect teams to place an even greater emphasis on kicker accuracy and leg strength. The ability to consistently convert from beyond 50 yards can be a game-changer, forcing opponents to adjust their offensive strategies and potentially opening up opportunities for the kicking team. The Arizona Cardinals, for example, saw Chad Ryland kick a game-winning field goal in Week 5 against the 49ers in place of Matt Prater.
The Return Game Renaissance: Speed, Strategy, and Rule Changes
The return game has experienced a resurgence in recent years, driven by a combination of rule changes and innovative strategies. The NFL’s decision to move touchbacks to the 35-yard line on kickoffs, as voted on at the NFL Annual League Meetings, is expected to further incentivize returns and create more exciting plays.
KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic return specialists. In 2024, Turpin earned an 88.4 overall grade as a returner, scored two touchdowns, and forced 14 missed tackles, making him the highest-paid special teams player in NFL history. His ability to generate explosive plays has transformed the Cowboys’ special teams unit and provided a spark for their offense.
Derius Davis of the Los Angeles Chargers also made waves in the return game, averaging 12.4 yards per punt return, ranking fourth among players with at least 10 returns.
The emphasis on speed and agility in the return game is likely to continue in 2025. Teams will prioritize players who can not only field the ball cleanly but also make defenders miss and create opportunities for big gains.
The Hidden Value of Core Special Teamers: Tackling, Coverage, and Leadership
While kickers and return specialists often grab the headlines, the unsung heroes of special teams are the core teamers – the players who excel in coverage, tackling, and blocking. These individuals may not possess the same level of notoriety as their counterparts, but their contributions are essential to the success of the unit.
Nick Niemann of the Los Angeles Chargers exemplified the value of a core special teamer in 2024. Despite missing the first four games of the season due to injury, Niemann returned to lead the team with a 79.5 PFF special teams grade and a team-high 10 total tackles. His ability to consistently make plays in coverage and provide support on returns makes him an invaluable asset to the Chargers’ special teams unit.
Brenden Schooler of the New England Patriots and Miles Killebrew of the Pittsburgh Steelers were also named to the 2024-2025 NFLPA All-Pro List as core teamers.
Looking ahead, expect teams to place a greater emphasis on identifying and developing core special teamers. These players often come from the later rounds of the draft or are undrafted free agents, but their dedication, work ethic, and willingness to embrace the less glamorous aspects of the game make them essential to building a successful special teams unit.
Coaching and Scheme: The X’s and O’s of Special Teams Success
Effective coaching and innovative schemes are just as important as individual talent when it comes to special teams success. A well-designed scheme can maximize the strengths of the players and create opportunities for big plays, while a knowledgeable coach can instill discipline, technique, and a winning mentality.
Darren Rizzi, the Denver Broncos special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, has been at the forefront of special teams innovation for years. Rizzi’s expertise and creativity have helped the Broncos consistently rank among the league’s top special teams units, and his influence is evident in the increasing number of teams adopting his strategies.
Chris Tabor was hired as the Buffalo Bills new special teams coordinator. Tabor has extensive experience coaching special teams, with prior stints in Chicago, Cleveland, and Carolina.
In 2025, expect to see teams continue to experiment with new formations, blocking schemes, and coverage techniques in an effort to gain an edge on special teams. Coaches who can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL and find creative ways to utilize their personnel will be the most successful.
The Impact of Analytics: Quantifying the Value of Special Teams
The rise of analytics has revolutionized the way NFL teams evaluate and strategize in all aspects of the game, and special teams is no exception. Teams are now using data to quantify the value of different special teams plays, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about personnel and scheme.
By analyzing factors such as field position, return rates, and tackling efficiency, teams can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of special teams on their overall success. This information can then be used to allocate resources more effectively, prioritize player development, and make strategic adjustments during games.
Conclusion
As the NFL continues to evolve, special teams will play an increasingly important role in determining the outcome of games. By looking beyond the big plays and understanding the hidden trends that drive special teams success, fans and analysts alike can gain a deeper appreciation for this often-overlooked aspect of the game. From the evolving role of the kicker to the return game renaissance and the hidden value of core teamers, the 2025 NFL season promises to be a fascinating showcase of special teams innovation and excellence.