Special Team

[Yatagarasu]

By having a former special teams coach in John Harbaugh, I feel that he has done a great job not only stabilizing, but making one of the top special teams in the NFL.

So I'm making a thread to see how our special teams this year will look like. Also, as everyone knows special team is one of the best ways to guarantee not only a spot, but also playing times with the Ravens.

[i][b]Kicker:[/b][/i]

[b]Billy Cundiff [/b] - I expect a big year especially in the touchback statistics now that the kickoff yard has been moved from 30 yards to 35 yards. I expect that Billy will build upon his 2010 NFL record tying 40 touchbacks. Also, he's been consistent in FG last year with a 89.7% accuracy.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/cundibil01.htm

[i][b]Punter:[/b][/i]

[b]Sam Koch[/b] - It's good to have consistent punter, just ask the Giants about how they feel on Matt Dodge. Koch is underrated in the NFL, but we all know how important he is on our team because he is the placeholder for Billy Cundiff and was the 2nd best punter in pinning down opponents inside the 20 yard-line and 10 yard-line. Yard average is an overrated stats because I want an accurate punter than one who will just boot it in the endzone.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/bycategory?cat=Punting&conference=NFL&year=season_2010&timeframe=All&qualified=0&sort=222&old_category=Kicking
[i]
[b]Long Snapper:[/b][/i]

[b]Morgan Cox[/b] - This last year's rookie performed well until he had a torn acl. I hope he recovers fast and continue his solid performance

[b]Patrick Scales[/b] - Looks like some guy who's snapping the ball to our kickers while the August 4th rule is in effect. May the best man win.

[i][b]Possible Kickoff Returner:
[/b][/i]
[b]David Reed[/b] - This last year rookie showed some flash as he averaged the league's best 29.3 yard average in 21 kickoffs before he hurted his wrist. He's currently the favorite to be this year's KR until otherwise.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/bycategory?cat=Returns&conference=NFL&year=season_2010&sort=319&timeframe=All

[b]Jalen Parmele[/b] - With Jalen back on the team, I believe he has to work harder to make the roster now the David is the front runner in Kickoff returns. He averaged 23.4 yards, which is the middle of the pack.

[b]Torrey Smith[/b] - Like Mike Mayock said, you want to get this man the ball as much as you can because he's a game changer. However, I believe his extension involvement in the offense will limit his action in special teams.

[i][b]Possible Punt Returner:[/b][/i]

[b][s]Tom Zbikowski[/s][/b] - You can cross this name out since he's in line as the starting Strong Safety.

[b]Lardarius Webb[/b] - I assume that he's going to be the starting nickelback, which means he can still be a special teamer. However, once he's in the starting line-up, his role in special team will be replaced by another on the bubble player.

[b]David Reed [/b] - I believe David Reed's spot will be guaranteed since he's going to have his plate full in special teams.

[b]Tandon Doss[/b] - His experience as a Punt Returner and Kick Returner will help his cause to dress up on gameday.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tandon-doss-1.html
[i][b]
Special Teamers:[/b][/i]

[b]Brendon Ayanbadejo[/b] - Now that his age is 34 and in his last year of his contract, I assume he's going to go all out to finish off his career. This 3 times Pro Bowler at Special Teams showed flashes of being a great playmaker (see 2009), but his quad injury has limited that flash. However, his solid coverage and low cost ($4.6 million for 4 years) will help him make the team again.
[b]
Prescott Burgess[/b] - Special Teams Ace who replaced the injured and limited Ayanbadejo and performed up to Harbaugh's standard. That's why the Ravens always find room to keep this ace.

[b]Haruki Nakamura[/b] - A dependable special teamer who shown some flashes as a ball carrier in trick plays.

[b]Marcus Smith[/b] - A gunner whose chances got cut short from an torn ACL. Now he has to fight back his spot and worthiness because there's a logjam at WRs.

[b]Jason Phillips[/b] - A downhill tackler that is just waiting for his chances to crack for defensive spot

[b]Taveres Gooden[/b] - His speed has been well utilized with the coverage team.

[b]Dannell Ellerbe[/b] - Since he has been in Harbaugh's doghouse by being too full-headed. He better rebuild his image by showing solid performances in Special Teams and limited chances in the Defense.

[b]Arthur Jones[/b] - Only way to earn playing time in a deep position is to play Special Teams.

[b]Terrence Cody[/b] - Need a Rammer Jammer, look no further than Mount Cody for the job.

[b]Davon Drew[/b] - His special teams ability especially as a blocker made him valuable, which helped him to earn a roster spot after being on the practice squad.
[i][b]
Possible Special Teamers:[/b][/i]

[b]Damien Berry[/b] - He knows that there's a lot of competition in the RB position. However, I like the fact he's a downhill runner who can give out some punishment. He might have to take the Matt Lawrence route as a special teamer to make the roster. Better make every chance count.

[b]Pernell McPhee[/b] - Tapes show that this guy can move, so maybe he starts his career in Baltimore as a special teamer before moving on up.

[b]Paul Kruger [/b] - Need playing time? Better start learning how to tackle in open spaces against fast and shifty returners.

[b]Chykie Brown[/b] - When the odds are against you for earning a spot, better start learning special teams.

[b]Mana Silva [/b] - Special Teams will appreciate that 4.44 second speed he has. He might be able to grab a spot from the bubble if he can excel in kick coverage.

[b]Justin Boren[/b] - We need blockers for our returners.

[b]Ryan Bartholomew[/b] - Same for you.
[b]
Tim Barnes[/b] - You also as well.

[Yatagarasu]

(Removed due to negative reputation)

[Ed_Reed20]

Can Haruki get just one opportunity to return a punt?

But seriously, the special teams is really worth getting excited about this year with all the young talent.

Smith tore his ACL back in '09. Even though he has to do it again, he won his job back as a gunner last year.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1312047010' post='727103']
My Greatest masterpiece yet...
[/quote]

Pat yourself on the back much?

[hawkprey]

We might have the best special teams in the league. One of the best punters, best kickers, and best kickoff returners. And we rarely give up TDs on special teams.

[ellicottraven]

Special teams is the least of my worries. Harbaugh will have them oiled and ready to fly come regular season. We will continue to be amongst the better special teams out there!



So Corpus much ado about nothing! Also self praise makes you look really bad dude even though you may think you are a really funny guy!

[Gtown Purple]

I'd like to see someone step up as a good return man. We've been lacking in that area in recent years.

[Ed_Reed20]

Not that Harbaugh hasn't been instrumental in helping the STs get to where it is now, but ST coordinator Jerry Rosburg deserves a ton of credit as well.

[Gordo52]

McPhee on special teams? O_o

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1312047684' post='727124']
Pat yourself on the back much?
[/quote]

Jerks!

[jdynamite]

Honestly last yr was probably the best ST yr we had under Harbaugh... I was so glad Reed became the returner... Because he brought back all the memories of past special teamers like Jermaine Lewis, B.J. Sams, even Y.Figurs had his moments...

Our kick and punt coverages have always been stable...

I just want them to continue their improvement and stay consistent... After all special teams can cost a team some games i.e. the chargers lol

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1312054065' post='727371']
McPhee on special teams? O_o
[/quote]

And that would be a shock, how?

[Crabcakes&Football]

Proud of our special teams. Harbaugh has done a great job with them and they have gave both our offense and defense an edge as far as field position last year. But of course the league took notice of that and made new rules. I won't be surprised to see Torrey take it to the house a few times this year.

[Irish Raven]

I'm expecting good things from Chykie Brown, could be an excellent with his physicality and speed

Possibly he's going to take Marcus Smith's roster spot

[uhhhh]

You can take Cody from that list. If he's going to start at NT there's no way that he'll play ST. He would be gassed before halftime.

[deathbird52]

[quote name='uhhhh' timestamp='1312058643' post='727489']
You can take Cody from that list. If he's going to start at NT there's no way that he'll play ST. He would be gassed before halftime.
[/quote]

I think he might be lalking about blocking FGs. Cody, blocked a few in college.

[uhhhh]

[quote name='deathbird52' timestamp='1312059340' post='727520']
I think he might be lalking about blocking FGs. Cody, blocked a few in college.
[/quote]

Oh yeah that's right. I totally forgot.

[neoi78]

Only negative - We don't return enough TD's, especially in clutch moments (think Desean Jackson vs Giants). Other than this I agree OP, our special teams has potential to be, special. and OP... I HATE YOUR BUG! It gets me everytime! =)

Edit:I think we're average or slightly below average in returns for TD's but I have no stats to prove this. I know we've had a few called back in clutch moments too..

[deathbird52]

[quote name='neoi78' timestamp='1312063572' post='727642']
Only negative - We don't return enough TD's, especially in clutch moments (think Desean Jackson vs Giants). Other than this I agree OP, our special teams has potential to be, special. and OP... I HATE YOUR BUG! It gets me everytime! =)

Edit:I think we're average or slightly below average in returns for TD's but I have no stats to prove this. I know we've had a few called back in clutch moments too..
[/quote]

Webb would of had a clutch return that against the Steelers if not for a Marcus Smith penalty.

[PuRock]

Like to see us improve on punt returns. We had an average of 7.4 yards a return w/ 0 TDs. Have to cut down on the penalties on STs.

[Yatagarasu]

I think that since Chris Carr was signed back, the punting duty will go to Lardarius Webb. He has shown some flash as a punt returner. Man, I am relieved that Carr isn't returning anymore since he seems to get into trouble often.

I hope Webb's knee is 100% and he can start exploding for TDs.

[George70]

[quote name='Gtown Purple' timestamp='1312053115' post='727336']
I'd like to see someone step up as a good return man. We've been lacking in that area in recent years.
[/quote]

Hopefully, we shall find a good return artist during training camp. At least, that's what I'm hoping for.