Special Teams

ST has been such a bad group this year and has been average or worse over the past few years. They've definitely been a key part of some losses this season that shouldn't have been losses. Last night, however, they at least held their own to where it was pretty much a standoff vs. the Cowboys' ST. That said, every kickoff that was in play (which was most of them) and for every punt last night, was very nervous the Cowboys were going to break off a good return. It didn't happen, and seems like some adjustments were made (and maybe some personnel changes?).

Also, Carlson & Wish...good games (something that never gets mentioned about Wish...he's been holding on FGs and PATs for 5 1/2 years and not a single holding error).

Going forward, ST needs to be just like last night, or even better on occasion if possible. No ST "freebies" given to other teams to set them up for scores, change momentum, etc. Either be even with the other team's ST or be better - don't be worse. Do that and this team with its playmakers will be very tough to beat.

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:
ST has been such a bad group this year and has been average or worse over the past few years. They've definitely been a key part of some losses this season that shouldn't have been losses. Last night, however, they at least held their own to where it was pretty much a standoff vs. the Cowboys' ST. That said, every kickoff that was in play (which was most of them) and for every punt last night, was very nervous the Cowboys were going to break off a good return. It didn't happen, and seems like some adjustments were made (and maybe some personnel changes?).

Also, Carlson & Wish...good games (something that never gets mentioned about Wish...he's been holding on FGs and PATs for 5 1/2 years and not a single holding error).

Going forward, ST needs to be just like last night, or even better on occasion if possible. No ST "freebies" given to other teams to set them up for scores, change momentum, etc. Either be even with the other team's ST or be better - don't be worse. Do that and this team with its playmakers will be very tough to beat.

Do we not have a kicker that can boot it out of the back of the endzone on kickoffs? I have been holding my breath every time we put one in play because I feel like it's a 50-50 shot that they take one to the house. I feel like it will continue to bite us in the ass all year, we need to change our philosophy and don't put let them return it

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:
ST has been such a bad group this year and has been average or worse over the past few years. They've definitely been a key part of some losses this season that shouldn't have been losses. Last night, however, they at least held their own to where it was pretty much a standoff vs. the Cowboys' ST. That said, every kickoff that was in play (which was most of them) and for every punt last night, was very nervous the Cowboys were going to break off a good return. It didn't happen, and seems like some adjustments were made (and maybe some personnel changes?).

Also, Carlson & Wish...good games (something that never gets mentioned about Wish...he's been holding on FGs and PATs for 5 1/2 years and not a single holding error).

Going forward, ST needs to be just like last night, or even better on occasion if possible. No ST "freebies" given to other teams to set them up for scores, change momentum, etc. Either be even with the other team's ST or be better - don't be worse. Do that and this team with its playmakers will be very tough to beat.

I am sure he would be happy for the positive vibes but there has been some commentary on a few missed Goals that point to the ball not being in the right spot/angle/laces front etc.
Overall the one that should be praised is the Long Snapper because we never hear about him.

Originally posted by KeepRabbitsOut:

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:
ST has been such a bad group this year and has been average or worse over the past few years. They've definitely been a key part of some losses this season that shouldn't have been losses. Last night, however, they at least held their own to where it was pretty much a standoff vs. the Cowboys' ST. That said, every kickoff that was in play (which was most of them) and for every punt last night, was very nervous the Cowboys were going to break off a good return. It didn't happen, and seems like some adjustments were made (and maybe some personnel changes?).

Also, Carlson & Wish...good games (something that never gets mentioned about Wish...he's been holding on FGs and PATs for 5 1/2 years and not a single holding error).

Going forward, ST needs to be just like last night, or even better on occasion if possible. No ST "freebies" given to other teams to set them up for scores, change momentum, etc. Either be even with the other team's ST or be better - don't be worse. Do that and this team with its playmakers will be very tough to beat.

I am sure he would be happy for the positive vibes but there has been some commentary on a few missed Goals that point to the ball not being in the right spot/angle/laces front etc.
Overall the one that should be praised is the Long Snapper because we never hear about him.

I just know that Wish hasn't fumbled a snap to where the kick can't be executed since he's been here. Every kick he's held for has ended up happening, including in the rain & snow.

As for the LS, Pepper has been really solid as well.

Originally posted by MTninerfan:

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:
ST has been such a bad group this year and has been average or worse over the past few years. They've definitely been a key part of some losses this season that shouldn't have been losses. Last night, however, they at least held their own to where it was pretty much a standoff vs. the Cowboys' ST. That said, every kickoff that was in play (which was most of them) and for every punt last night, was very nervous the Cowboys were going to break off a good return. It didn't happen, and seems like some adjustments were made (and maybe some personnel changes?).

Also, Carlson & Wish...good games (something that never gets mentioned about Wish...he's been holding on FGs and PATs for 5 1/2 years and not a single holding error).

Going forward, ST needs to be just like last night, or even better on occasion if possible. No ST "freebies" given to other teams to set them up for scores, change momentum, etc. Either be even with the other team's ST or be better - don't be worse. Do that and this team with its playmakers will be very tough to beat.

Do we not have a kicker that can boot it out of the back of the endzone on kickoffs? I have been holding my breath every time we put one in play because I feel like it's a 50-50 shot that they take one to the house. I feel like it will continue to bite us in the ass all year, we need to change our philosophy and don't put let them return it

Agreed, just kick it through the end zone on every single kickoff. Don't take any chances on giving up a big return. It's happened too many times to this team - last night was an exception, thankfully.

This was the first game in what seems like over a year that we didn't have a game changing special teams blunder.