Costly Errors: How Special Teams Penalties Are Deciding Games in the 2025 NFL Season
The roar of the crowd, the precision of the quarterback’s throw, the bone-jarring hits – these are the elements that typically dominate NFL headlines. However, beneath the surface of highlight-reel plays lies a less glamorous, yet equally critical aspect of the game: special teams. In the 2025 NFL season, costly errors on special teams are proving to be the difference between victory and defeat, leaving coaches and fans alike agonizing over missed opportunities and preventable mistakes.
The High Cost of Special Teams Gaffes
It’s no secret that special teams play can be a rollercoaster. One minute, KaVontae Turpin is electrifying the crowd with a breathtaking kick return; the next, a holding penalty wipes out a significant gain, pinning the offense deep in their own territory. These moments of brilliance and blunder can dramatically shift momentum, and in a league as competitive as the NFL, even the smallest miscue can have significant repercussions.
Take, for instance, the Week 7 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. Despite a strong offensive showing, the Cowboys fell short, largely due to a series of special teams miscues. An illegal formation penalty on the opening kickoff set the tone for a frustrating night, followed by a kick landing short and an illegal forward pass. According to C.J. Goodwin, “It’s extremely frustrating when we don’t do our job correctly… We’re not a penalty team on special teams.” These errors translated directly into 10 points for the 49ers and a crucial turnover, ultimately contributing to the Cowboys’ 30-24 loss.
New Rules, New Challenges
The NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, and the 2025 season is no exception. The league has implemented several rule changes aimed at enhancing player safety and increasing the excitement of special teams plays. One significant change is the modification of kickoff rules, designed to resemble a typical scrimmage play and promote more returns. As Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee, noted, the NFL projects this change will increase the return rate significantly.
However, these changes also present new challenges. With players aligned closer together, the margin for error is reduced, and the importance of precise execution is amplified. Penalties such as illegal formation, holding, and unnecessary roughness can be particularly devastating, negating positive plays and handing opponents valuable field position.
Coaches Under Pressure
The increased emphasis on special teams performance has placed additional pressure on coaches, particularly special teams coordinators. These unsung heroes are responsible for ensuring that every player is well-versed in the intricacies of the rulebook and capable of executing their assignments flawlessly.
In Denver, head coach Sean Payton made a significant move by hiring Darren Rizzi as the Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach. This decision underscores the importance Payton places on this phase of the game. Rizzi, known for his meticulous approach and attention to detail, is tasked with revitalizing the Broncos’ special teams unit and minimizing costly errors.
However, not all coaches have been as fortunate. Following a series of special teams gaffes, the Denver Broncos fired special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica. This move highlights the zero-tolerance policy that many teams are adopting when it comes to special teams mistakes.
Key Players in the Spotlight
While coaching is crucial, the performance of individual players ultimately determines the success or failure of a special teams unit. Kickers, punters, return specialists, and coverage players all play vital roles, and their ability to perform under pressure can have a profound impact on the outcome of a game.
Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys has emerged as one of the league’s premier kickers, earning All-Pro honors. His accuracy and leg strength provide a significant advantage for the Cowboys, but even the most talented kickers are susceptible to mistakes. A blocked field goal or a shanked punt can quickly turn a game on its head.
Return specialists like KaVontae Turpin are game-changers who can flip the field with a single electrifying run. However, they must also be disciplined and avoid costly penalties that can negate their efforts. The balance between risk and reward is a delicate one, and return specialists must possess the awareness and decision-making skills to make the right choices in critical situations.
The Impact on Playoff Contenders
As the 2025 season progresses, the importance of special teams performance will only intensify, especially for teams vying for a playoff berth. A single special teams blunder in a high-stakes game can spell the difference between advancing to the next round and watching from the sidelines.
The Green Bay Packers, for example, experienced a special teams nightmare in a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Keisean Nixon’s opening kickoff fumble and a subsequent penalty put the Packers in an early hole, while a missed field goal by Brandon McManus further compounded their woes. According to Packers’ analysts, the special teams blunders ultimately killed them in a playoff game.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Special Teams
As the NFL continues to evolve, special teams play will undoubtedly remain a critical component of the game. Coaches and players will need to adapt to new rules and strategies, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline, execution, and attention to detail.
The teams that can consistently minimize costly errors on special teams will have a significant advantage, positioning themselves for success in the regular season and beyond. In the 2025 NFL season, the margin between victory and defeat is razor-thin, and special teams performance may ultimately determine which teams hoist the Lombardi Trophy.