Press the Kicking Game: How the Vols Dominated Bowling Green on Special Teams

On Saturday in the Tennessee Volunteers’ 59-30 win over Bowling Green, Tennessee dominated in many aspects of the game, but one of the more undervalued ways the Vols won was in the kicking game. The Volunteers have seen vast improvement on special teams under coach Butch Jones, scoring a touchdown on special teams each of the last two years. While the special teams never got the ball in the end zone, they broke multiple long returns, blocked a field goal, and provided outstanding coverage all game. This post aims to take an in-depth view at a few of these plays that don’t typically get the attention they deserve. Continue reading “Press the Kicking Game: How the Vols Dominated Bowling Green on Special Teams”

Huff Goes All the Way: Eagles Score on Special Teams Again

The Philadelphia Eagles special teams unit may be the best in the NFL this year. They have been racking up touchdowns and dominating the league. Rookie receiver Josh Huff recorded his first score this past Sunday when he took a kickoff back 107 yards (an Eagles record). Huff was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week by the NFL for his big return. So let’s look at how the Eagles unit made it possible for Huff to earn this accolade. Continue reading “Huff Goes All the Way: Eagles Score on Special Teams Again”

Vols Score on Fake Field Goal

Perhaps the most exciting play in the Tennessee Vols 29-21 loss to the Missouri Tigers came on a fake field goal touchdown for the Vols early in the second quarter. The score came when walk-on quarterback/holder Patrick Ashford completed his first career pass to a wide open walk-on tight end Alex Ellis for his first career touchdown reception. So let’s take a look at how the Vols scheme attacked the Tigers defense and resulted in the easy score. Continue reading “Vols Score on Fake Field Goal”

Another Game, Another Great Special Teams Performance in Philadelphia

Last week, James Casey blocked a punt and Chris Maragos returned it for a score. The week before, Darren Sproles ran a punt back for a touchdown and a Trey Burton blocked punt led to a Brad Smith touchdown. Three weeks ago, Chris Polk took a kickoff all the way for a score.

While the Philadelphia Eagles failed to score a touchdown on special teams versus the New York Giants, they still had a few big plays in the kicking game. Philadelphia’s special teams has become perhaps the brightest shining spot on a 5-1 team and ranks as one of the best in the league.The Eagles two biggest plays against the Giants both came from the punt return team; first when Darren Sproles returned a punt 43 yards, and second when Chris Maragos partially blocked a punt.

Continue reading “Another Game, Another Great Special Teams Performance in Philadelphia”

Eagles Dominate on Special Teams Again

For the first time since 1992, the Philadelphia Eagles scored two special teams touchdowns in the same game. For the first time since 2000, the Eagles scored a special teams touchdown for the second consecutive game. Both these marks were set in the Eagles game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The scores came when rookie tight end Trey Burton blocked a punt and receiver Brad Smith fell on it for a touchdown, and when Darren Sproles returned a punt 82 yards for a score. Continue reading “Eagles Dominate on Special Teams Again”