Mason Crosby is one of just two kickers that hasn’t missed a field goal attempt in 2020, but the rest of the Green Bay Packers special teams has to be considered poor, at least statistically speaking.
Through 10 games, the Packers are mostly awful on special teams again. And they were awful during Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, highlighted by a fumbled kickoff return and poor punting from Shawn Mennenga’s group.
Every year, Rick Gosselin compiles an exhaustive collection of special teams statistics to evaluate and rank each team in the NFL. Last season, the Packers ranked 26th overall among the 32 teams. It was viewed as an improvement over the year prior, when the Packers ranked dead last under the supervision of Ron Zook.
This season, the Packers rank low again in most of Gosselin’s categories entering Week 12.
– The Packers rank 32nd in the NFL in kickoff return average (18.1)
– The Packers rank 26th in the NFL in punt return average (5.6)
– The Packers rank 16th in the NFL in kickoff coverage average (22.2)
– The Packers rank 31st in the NFL in punt coverage average (15.2)
– The Packers rank 24th in the NFL in average punt yardage (44.9)
– The Packers rank 18th in the NFL in opponent average starting position (29.2-yard line)
– The Packers rank 30th in the NFL in net average punt yardage (35.7)
– The Packers rank tied for 27th in the NFL in punts downed inside the 20 (9)
– The Packers are 30th in the NFL in total punt return yards (39)
– The Packers are 30th in the NFL in long punt return (11)
– The Packers are 15th in the NFL in kickoff touchback percentage (60.7)
– The Packers are one of just seven teams with a punt blocked
– The Packers are one of just two teams to allow a punt return touchdown
– The Packers allowed an onside kick recovery (vs. Texans)
– The Packers have a special teams turnover (Darrius Shepherd fumbled kickoff return)
– According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers have nine missed tackles and three penalties on special teams
– The Packers are tied for first in field goal percentage (100 percent) and eighth in extra point percentage (97.2)
At PFF, the Packers rank 22nd in overall special teams grade. By DVOA, the Packers are 26th on special teams.
On Sunday in Indianapolis, the Colts overmatched the Packers in the third phase of the game. Frank Reich’s team consistently kicked it high and short, daring Shepherd in the return game. He averaged less than 20 yards a return and had a key turnover. Punter JK Scott had a miserable day despite perfect punting conditions indoors, with two punts under 40 yards in three tries.
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