It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of the NFL. The explosive touchdown passes, jaw-dropping catches, and bone-crushing tackles are the highlight reel moments that dominate our screens every Sunday. But beneath the surface, hidden from the spotlight, lies a group of players who are just as critical to a team’s success: the special teams unit. Often underestimated and overlooked, special teams can be the difference between a heartbreaking loss and a glorious victory. Let’s dive into why this phase of the game deserves its share of recognition and how it plays a pivotal role in winning football games.
Special Teams: The Third Phase of Football
Football is often referred to as a game of three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. While the first two get most of the attention, special teams is where games can change in an instant. A single play on special teams can swing momentum, flip field position, or even seal a victory. Yet, it remains the least glamorous aspect of the game, often perceived as a collection of backup players filling time between offensive and defensive possessions.
But ask any coach, and they’ll tell you that special teams is far from an afterthought. In fact, Bill Belichick, one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, has consistently emphasized its importance. “Special teams are just as critical as offense and defense,” he once said. And he’s right.
Momentum Shifters: Game-Changing Plays
Think about some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. Many of them are special teams plays. Take, for instance, Devin Hester’s opening kickoff return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI. That electrifying play not only set the tone for the Chicago Bears but also demonstrated how special teams can instantly ignite a team and its fans.
Then there are the clutch field goals that win games in the dying seconds. Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning kicks in multiple Super Bowls for the New England Patriots are prime examples. His leg didn’t just win games; it built a dynasty.
Blocked punts, onside kicks, and even strategic punts that pin opponents deep in their own territory can be just as impactful as a 50-yard touchdown pass. These moments don’t just change the scoreboard; they shift momentum and often break the will of the opposing team.
Field Position: The Hidden Battle
Field position is one of the most underrated aspects of football, and special teams play a crucial role in determining it. A well-executed punt can flip the field, forcing an opposing offense to start deep in their own territory. Conversely, a poor punt or a big return can hand the opposing team a short field, making it easier for them to score.
Kickoff coverage units are tasked with limiting returns and ensuring the opposing offense has to start as far back as possible. On the flip side, kickoff return teams aim to give their offense the best possible starting position. This constant tug-of-war over field position often dictates the flow of the game and can make or break a team’s chances of winning.
The Specialists: Masters of Their Craft
Special teams require a unique set of skills that are vastly different from those needed on offense or defense. Kickers, punters, and long snappers are specialists in every sense of the word. Their margin for error is razor-thin, and their roles demand precision and consistency.
Take the kicker, for example. While the quarterback may have 40 pass attempts in a game to find his rhythm, a kicker might get only one or two chances to make a significant impact. And when that moment comes, whether it’s a 50-yard field goal in a blizzard or a game-winner with the clock ticking down, the pressure is immense. Yet, the best kickers thrive under these conditions, often becoming unsung heroes.
Punters, too, play a vital role. A well-placed punt can pin the opposing team inside their own 10-yard line, making it significantly harder for them to score. And let’s not forget the long snappers, whose accuracy and reliability are crucial for every field goal, extra point, and punt. Their work goes unnoticed until something goes wrong—a testament to the high level of excellence they consistently deliver.
Unsung Heroes: The Coverage and Return Teams
While specialists like kickers and punters often get individual recognition, the coverage and return teams are the true unsung heroes of special teams. These units are filled with players who bring a rare combination of speed, strength, and fearlessness. They’re tasked with sprinting downfield at full speed to make a tackle or blocking opponents to spring a returner free.
Players like Steve Tasker, a legendary special teamer for the Buffalo Bills, built entire careers on their ability to excel in this phase of the game. Tasker’s relentless effort and knack for making big plays on special teams earned him Pro Bowl honors and the admiration of his peers.
Returners, meanwhile, are some of the most electrifying players on the field. Their ability to read blocks, make defenders miss, and take the ball to the house can change the complexion of a game in seconds. From Dante Hall’s jaw-dropping returns to the consistent excellence of Cordarrelle Patterson, returners have provided some of the NFL’s most unforgettable moments.
Coaching and Strategy: A Chess Match
Special teams is as much about strategy as it is about execution. Coaches spend countless hours studying film, designing schemes, and identifying weaknesses in their opponents’ special teams units. A perfectly timed fake punt or an onside kick can catch the opposing team off guard and swing the momentum in your favor.
Consider Sean Payton’s gutsy decision to call for an onside kick to start the second half of Super Bowl XLIV. The New Orleans Saints recovered the kick, seized momentum, and went on to win their first-ever championship. Plays like this highlight the strategic importance of special teams and the courage it takes to make bold calls.
Building a Winning Culture
Great special teams play often reflects a team’s overall culture. It’s a phase of the game that requires selflessness, discipline, and attention to detail. Players on special teams rarely get the glory, but their contributions are critical to the team’s success. Teams that prioritize special teams—both in terms of coaching and personnel—often find themselves in contention for championships.
Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots, John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, and Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs are all examples of organizations that have consistently excelled in special teams. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence in this phase of the game have played a significant role in their sustained success.
Why Special Teams Matter More Than Ever
In today’s NFL, where parity reigns supreme, the margin for error is smaller than ever. Many games are decided by just a handful of plays, and special teams often provide those critical moments. A missed field goal, a blocked punt, or a long return can be the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home.
Moreover, special teams provide opportunities for younger players to prove themselves. Many NFL stars, including Hall of Famers like Terrell Davis, started their careers on special teams. It’s a proving ground, a place where players can showcase their talent, work ethic, and commitment to the team.
Conclusion: Time to Give Credit Where It’s Due
It’s time to shine a light on the unsung heroes of the NFL. Special teams may not grab the headlines, but it’s an essential part of the game that can make or break a team’s success. From game-changing plays and field position battles to the contributions of specialists and coverage units, special teams deserve our respect and appreciation.
So, the next time you watch a game, don’t just focus on the touchdowns and interceptions. Pay attention to the kickoffs, punts, and field goals. Watch the gunners sprinting downfield and the returners weaving through traffic. Because in the NFL, every play matters—and special teams often hold the key to victory.
