Offseason breakdown: special teams

Now for the final installment of this wondrous series, I’ll dissect the Seahawks special teams.

K: Josh Brown is as good as they can hope for. He had somewhat of an off year, which he allegedly attributes to erratic long snapping, but he should definitely be re-signed this year after getting the franchise tag last season. Brown has proven time and again during his career that he can make kicks when it counts the most. When it comes to the clutch, I’m not sure I’d rather have anyone else.

P: Ryan Plackemeier must have learned a thing or two from Tom Rouen, because he plays exactly like the former Seahawks punter. He is a very good directional punter, without a doubt. He was tied for 4th in the league with 30 punts inside the 20 yard line, and ranked 2nd with 13 punts inside the 10. The problem lies with Plackemeier’s leg strength. I would expect a guy of his considerable girth to possess a leg stronger than my 86 year old grandmother. He fell dead last in the league with a dreadful 40 yards per punt. I would be shocked if the brass didn’t bring in a punter or 2 for some competition, though I don’t see them spending a draft pick to do so.

Miscellaneous: I’m hardly a definitive authority on football, so I won’t try to speak at length about the kick coverage teams. Hopefully something is done to improve kickoff coverage, which ranked 5th worst with 25 yards allowed per return. Combined with Brown’s kickoff average, opponents started the average drive on their own 30. I can’t say for sure if it is a personnel problem or a coaching issue. Still, Seattle didn’t allow a return TD this year, which is hard to complain about. Niko Koutovides is the only notable free agent special teamer.

I couldn’t be happier with the return game. Though they ranked near the middle in kick return average, the tandem of Josh Wilson and Nate Burleson did combine for 2 TDs. Burleson also tore up punt coverage teams, amassing the 4th ranked punt return average in the NFL, behind 2 Pro Bowlers in Josh Cribbs and the amazing Devin Hester. He also scored a huge 94 yard return TD at a pivotal time against the Browns. The only downside to him becoming more involved in the passing game will be his diminished value on returns.

Well, that’s all for my offseason breakdown. I hope you at least enjoyed it a little, and maybe even learned a thing or two. If you like what you read, check back all offseason for more news, opinions, and tons of mock drafts from around the web.

~ by theseahawksblog on January 18, 2008.