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Late last week, Rick Gosselin of FanNation released his annual NFL Special Teams Rankings.
Gosselin ranked all 32 teams in 22 kicking-game categories. Points were assigned according to their standing — one for best and 32 for worst — and in the end, the Baltimore Ravens finished atop the rankings.
Washington placed 20th in the rankings with the Eagles close behind at 21st. BTW, Dallas placed 6th and the NYG rounded out the top ten.
DeAndre Carter’s kickoff return touchdown against Atlanta helped Washington finish third in kickoff returns category averaging 25.1 yards.
DeAndre Carter balled out today! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vc3zEELE8l
— Z (@DCzWall) October 3, 2021
Washington did have some other success on special teams this season, as Tress Way was fifth in yards per punt at 48.4 yards.
Joey Slye kicking for three teams (Houston, San Francisco, Washington) placed 21st in yards per kickoff with 63.6. Washington, of course, was hurt in the kicking department this season, resulting in their releasing Dustin Hopkins and Chris Blewitt.
Slye had an extra point attempt blocked on MNF at home against Seattle. Even more, the kick was scooped up by Seattle and returned all the way, scoring two points. On the play, Slye pulled his hamstring during the return and was replaced by Brian Johnson who kicked three games for Washington before Slye’s return. Johnson kicked the game-winner against the Raiders in Week 13.
15 NFL teams did not have a kick blocked this 2021 season. Unfortunately, the team that was dead last at No. 32 was Washington. It was one of the real low marks of the season as Washington had an overwhelmingly embarrassing six kicks blocked during 2021.
But Joey Slye saved the kicking inconsistency for Washington upon his return. Slye would finish making 9 of 10 extra-point attempts and all 12 of his field-goal attempts for Washington.