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Originally Posted by TAFKAS
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Interesting points and a good article. Offense and defense are clearly what drive most victories, more so than special teams. But I'd note:
1) The discussion addresses starting field position, which of course is a huge factor. But other aspects of special teams come into play as well. FG %, especially from long ranges, can have a big impact on the game. Ask Josh Brown of Seattle (typically a very good kicker) who banged one off the upright against the Redskins in Week 4 of the 2005 season. That kick would have won the game for Seattle.
2) Average starting field position may not be as important as the occasional big play on special teams. Where would the Redskins have been last season without Antonio Brown's kick return TD against the Cardinals? 9-7 and out of the playoffs.
In this day in age with parity running rampant in the NFL, so many games are decided by one big play or one clutch kick. Just look where the 'Skins would have been in 2005 if Josh Brown had made that kick, or if Antonio Brown hadn't ripped off that return for a TD. 8-8 and out of the playoffs.
And imagine if the Cowboys had Vanderjagt last year. The season could have looked VERY different.
I don't mean to say special teams are an end-all be-all to winning. Offense and defense are clearly more important than special teams. But in a league when so many games are decided by just a few points, and by one big play on one side or another, special teams can still make all the difference between a successful season and a disappointment.