Special Teams Catastrophe: Dissecting Week 12’s Most Devastating Errors
Week 12 of the NFL season was a rollercoaster for fans, filled with stunning upsets and nail-biting finishes. However, beneath the surface of high-octane offenses and bone-crushing defenses, lurked a series of special teams blunders that proved to be the undoing of several teams. Just ask the New York Giants, whose Week 12 performance against the Dallas Cowboys was marred by special teams miscues that ultimately cost them the game.
The Giants’ Special Teams Nightmare
The Giants’ Week 12 game against the Cowboys was a masterclass in how not to play special teams. A blocked punt, a shanked punt, and a missed field goal all contributed to the Giants’ downfall. The blocked punt, recovered for a touchdown by the Cowboys’ special teams unit, shifted the momentum early in the game. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the play swung the win probability by 18% in favor of Dallas.
Adding insult to injury, Giants punter Jamie Gillan had a punt that traveled a mere 28 yards, giving the Cowboys excellent field position. This led to an easy scoring drive for Dallas, further widening the gap. Kicker Graham Gano also missed a 47-yard field goal, a critical error that could have kept the Giants within striking distance.
These special teams failures highlight a recurring issue for the Giants. Throughout the season, they have struggled with consistency in their kicking game and coverage units. Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey faces mounting pressure to turn things around, or the Giants risk jeopardizing their playoff aspirations.
The Chargers’ Punting Predicament
The Los Angeles Chargers, known for their explosive offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, found themselves in a tight spot against the Baltimore Ravens, partially due to struggles in their punting game. JK Scott, the Chargers’ punter, had a critical punt blocked in the fourth quarter, which the Ravens recovered and turned into a touchdown.
This miscue proved to be a turning point in the game, allowing the Ravens to extend their lead and ultimately secure the victory. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Chargers’ special teams unit ranked near the bottom of the league in punt coverage efficiency heading into Week 12, a statistic that clearly manifested in this crucial moment.
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley acknowledged the special teams’ shortcomings in his post-game press conference, stating, “We have to be better in all three phases, and that includes special teams. We can’t afford to give away points like that, especially against a quality opponent like the Ravens.”
The Cardinals’ Kicking Woes
The Arizona Cardinals’ game against the Los Angeles Rams exposed their ongoing struggles in the kicking department. Matt Prater, the Cardinals’ veteran kicker, missed two field goals, including a 41-yard attempt that would have given his team the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Prater’s struggles have been a season-long concern for the Cardinals. After Week 12, his field goal percentage stood at a disappointing 71%, well below his career average. These missed opportunities have cost the Cardinals valuable points and contributed to their inconsistent performance.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his frustration with the special teams’ performance, saying, “We need to find a way to get our kicking game on track. We’re leaving points on the field, and that’s unacceptable.”
The Impact of Special Teams on Game Outcomes
These examples from Week 12 underscore the significant impact that special teams plays can have on game outcomes. A blocked punt, a missed field goal, or a coverage breakdown can swing momentum, provide easy scoring opportunities for the opponent, and ultimately determine the winner.
As NFL teams battle for playoff positioning, the importance of solid special teams play cannot be overstated. Teams that consistently execute in all three phases of the game – offense, defense, and special teams – are the ones that are most likely to succeed in the long run.
Coaching and Personnel Decisions
The struggles of these teams raise questions about coaching decisions and personnel choices in the special teams department. Are coaches dedicating enough practice time to special teams drills? Are they putting the right players in positions to succeed?
Some analysts argue that teams are increasingly prioritizing offensive and defensive talent over special teams specialists. This can lead to a lack of depth and experience in the kicking game and coverage units, making teams more vulnerable to special teams breakdowns.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL season progresses, teams must address their special teams deficiencies if they hope to contend for a Super Bowl title. This requires a commitment to coaching, player development, and strategic personnel decisions. The teams that can master all three phases of the game will be the ones that ultimately hoist the Lombardi Trophy.