BlitzburghRockCity
08-20-2011, 02:30 PM
The new kickoff rule has shown that nearly every kicker in the league can kick it out of bounds. Hopefully that mean Shaun Suisham too, but we'll see.
Unless you're kicking into a strong headwind or have other factors involved, weather wise, everybody is going to have a touchback to start out their drives.
Kickoff coverage teams, like we've seen alittle bit this preseason so far have been almost caught off guard when a kickoff is returned. This could become an issue once the season starts too because one missed assignment or lapse in concentration can result in a big return. Coverage units may get complacent in thinking the ball is not going to be returned so maybe they let up for a second or don't pay attention to what their doing as much and before you know the returner is at the 40 yd. line or worse.
Now, to keep it in perspective, preseason special teams coverage units are usually a mix of young guys trying to make the team, and not your normal group you see in the regular season. Breakdowns in coverage are nothing new in the preseason. It bears watching none the less once the season starts. The kickoff's may be boring to watch now, incredibly boring, but special teams guys still have to keep their focus.
The Steelers got caught off guard a few times this preseason already. Either caught off guard or just plain didn't make the plays...
Unless you're kicking into a strong headwind or have other factors involved, weather wise, everybody is going to have a touchback to start out their drives.
Kickoff coverage teams, like we've seen alittle bit this preseason so far have been almost caught off guard when a kickoff is returned. This could become an issue once the season starts too because one missed assignment or lapse in concentration can result in a big return. Coverage units may get complacent in thinking the ball is not going to be returned so maybe they let up for a second or don't pay attention to what their doing as much and before you know the returner is at the 40 yd. line or worse.
Now, to keep it in perspective, preseason special teams coverage units are usually a mix of young guys trying to make the team, and not your normal group you see in the regular season. Breakdowns in coverage are nothing new in the preseason. It bears watching none the less once the season starts. The kickoff's may be boring to watch now, incredibly boring, but special teams guys still have to keep their focus.
The Steelers got caught off guard a few times this preseason already. Either caught off guard or just plain didn't make the plays...