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Special teams, an area of a team that generally is often overlooked, though it
is an important facet of any NFL team. Teams that often excel on special teams
have an advantage in the many close encounters weekly fought on the gridiron
across the National Football League. Not a glorious job, but a player that
displays an uncanny ability to be productive in the kick
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Many of the 12 playoff teams in the 2002 season were ranked in
the top half of the league on special teams. One team in particular was
outstanding in the special teams game, that team being the Philadelphia Eagles.
Success breeds copycat schemes in the game today. When looking to improve this
critical area of the game, teams have started to lure away the core talent from
the Eagles special teams depth.
Covering kicks is just one of the many aspects of special teams
play that is often overlooked, but as important as a key block on a successful
run or pass play. Brian Mitchell, a former Philadelphia Eagles star has
made a career for himself in the kick return game. Known as the most proficient
return specialist of all-time, Mitchell continues to excel in the game today,
and will be returning kicks for the New York Giants.
Looking for help in the special teams game, as well at
linebacker, the Cleveland Browns signed free agent Barry Gardner from the
Philadelphia. Always looking to fill out the roster with players that bring the
intangibles to the table, Browns head coach Butch Davis quickly scooped up
the Eagles leader of special teams tackles in 2002 with 23.
In Philadelphia, the players change but the results have been a
model of consistency.
John Harbaugh rounds up the best special teams units in the NFL
today. Known throughout the league as one of the best special teams coaches in
the game today, Harbaugh will once again be the point man to ensure that the
Eagles continue to thrive in this ever important area. Losing Mitchell and Gardner
in free agency, as well as punter Sean Landeta, the loss of these highly
productive players would raise a serious concern to many teams, in
Philadelphia this change constitutes yet another challenge for the Harbaugh and
the Eagles.
“Every year is challenging, and, as coaches, we always deal
with turnover,” Harbaugh said. “Our core roster was probably more
unsettled last year than this year. I am very excited about the talent we
have and the season ahead.”
Among many attributes that are a necessity to achieve as a
special teams player, Harbaugh’s keys to success are the ability to be
physical, with ample speed, and a desire to be successful, while not necessarily
being in the spotlight.
“We talk a lot about geometry, specifically about angles and
spacing,” he says. “Once players understand this, it becomes easier to
do the job. They need to anticipate where to be and then have the ability
to get there.”
In the NFC East where the division is tight and the play
is notoriously physical, special teams play be the difference that puts a
team over the top. Mitchell, a 13-year veteran has spent his entire career with
the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. Holding numerous NFL
records, he still maintains a significant place in the game today.
“I was a guy who said he would never return punts and
kickoffs,” says Mitchell. “I thought people who did it were crazy.
Now I’m going into my 14th year doing it. I feel I still have a lot in
the tank and I can be an important part of the team.”
Below contains a summary of special teams statistics from the
2002 season:
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Most KR – 40+ yards
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Most PR – 20+ yards
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Highest KR Avg.
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Lowest KR Avg.-Opp.
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Detroit
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8
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NY Jets
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10
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Philadelphia
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24.9
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Carolina
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18.5
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New Orleans
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7
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New Orleans
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7
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New Orleans
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24.8
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Jacksonville
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19.5
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Atlanta
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6
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Philadelphia
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7
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Detroit
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24.6
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San Diego
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20.0
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Baltimore
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6
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Dallas
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6
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Tampa Bay
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24.1
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Tennessee
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20.0
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Cincinnati
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6
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San Francisco
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6
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NY Jets
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23.8
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Cleveland
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20.4
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Philadelphia
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6
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Washington
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6
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Highest PR Avg.
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Lowest PR Avg.-Opp.
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Avg. Drive Start-KR
(Receiving Team)
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Avg. Drive Start-KR
(Kicking Team)
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NY Jets
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16.0
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Detroit |
4.5 |
NY Jets
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31.7
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Tennessee
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24.8
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San Francisco
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14.1
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Atlanta |
4.7 |
New England
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31.4
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New Orleans
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25.3
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New Orleans
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13.9
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New
Orleans |
5.5 |
Philadelphia
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31.1
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Atlanta
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26.1
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Kansas City
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13.5
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Houston |
5.7 |
Dallas
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30.6
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Carolina
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26.2
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Cleveland
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13.2
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Indianapolis |
5.8 |
Kansas City
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30.1
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Philadelphia
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26.6
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Teams in italics
are 2002 playoff clubs
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