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Special teams: That one phase of football we all forget about when everything’s clicking, but as soon as the tides turn and mistakes are made, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
It’s no secret the Green Bay Packers have struggled on special teams this season. After struggling under coordinator Ron Zook the last several years, the Packers cut ties this past offseason and brought in Shawn Mennenga, a former assistant with the Cleveland Browns who spent the 2018 season in the NCAA at Vanderbilt.
So far, it’s been tough sledding for Green Bay’s rookie special teams coordinator. In addition to failing the eye test, the Packers rank very poorly in some key metrics.
According to Pro Football Focus, Green Bay is currently ranked the NFL’s second-worst special teams unit through 11 weeks. Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been worse by PFF’s standards.
One of the biggest disappointments this season has been the team’s inability to find a consistent kick/punt returner.
After trading away the reliable Trevor Davis to the Oakland Raiders after Week 2, Green Bay elected to give rookie undrafted free agent Darrius Shepherd a chance as their primary return man. The team also claimed Tremon Smith off waivers after the trade.
Shepherd has since been waived and re-signed to the team’s practice squad, while Smith continues to be the focal point on returns. Smith makes up for nearly half (191) of Green Bay’s total kick return yardage.
But even Smith, who was electric as a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs last season (26.8 yards per kick return), can only do so much with what’s provided around him.
The Packers currently rank 17th in the NFL in kick return yards (395) and 32nd in punt return yards (-8). On the contrary, Green Bay has given up the eighth-most kick return yards (523) and 12th-most punt return yards (148).
The Packers have mostly relied on inexperienced youth on kick coverage and kick returns, which is a big reason for their downfall. Players like Ty Summers, Josh Jackson and Chandon Sullivan have all been staples on special teams this season. All three will need to step up their game going forward, particularly on kick coverage.
But things aren’t all bad. One of the few bright spots on special teams has been second-year punter J.K. Scott. After struggling to find consistency as a rookie, Scott has found his form in 2019. He’s currently averaging 45.8 yards per punt, with a net average of 41.9 yards. Scott is currently PFF’s No. 2 rated punter.
Meanwhile, veteran kicker Mason Crosby has quietly had one of his best seasons to date. Crosby has converted 13-of-14 field goals and has made all 29 of his extra point attempts.
All in all, the Packers special teams unit as a whole has plenty to improve on. While there’s been a few instances of hope, the team will need to find their groove on special teams if they’re to be a true contender going forward.