*FAN SUBMISSION by Steve Siebenaler of Chicago, IL. Follow him on Twitter @chatnfl and “Like” his fan page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ChatNFL).*
For those of you that follow podcasts, Rich Eisen of NFL Network runs a great one covering the NFL in a uniquely modern way and works in all different facets of our entertainment industry along with it. He has spearheaded a movement to recognize punters via a “Punters Are People Too” t-shirt campaign that came from this episode: http://richeisen.nfl.com/
Courtesy: Minnesota Star Tribune
Six of the top ten kickers’ teams went to the playoffs last year. This included league-leading rookie, Blair Walsh, from the Minnesota Vikings. He knocked home 35 field goals at an incredible 92.1%. This was even accomplished in the midst of 7 of the top career kickers of all time in field goals made (Jason Hanson, Adam Vinatieri, David Akers, Ryan Longwell, Olindo Mare, Sebastian Janikowski and Phil Dawson). Janikowski actually has a great chance to move way up from his current 19th ranked spot, being a kicker-young, 34.
The current punter crop only has Shane Lecher (9th place) in the top 25 in career punting yards. Punt returners are in the same boat with only Devin Hester (career combined kick/punt return touchdown leader with 17) ranked 11th and Wes Welker at 22nd. Current kick returners come in better with Josh Cribbs, Darren Sproles, Leon Washington, Chris Carr, Terrance McGee and Ted Ginn Jr.
As for new faces in the special teams ranks, Dustin Hopkins (drafted by the Bills from Florida State) ended his career as an all-time leader in field goals made. Troy Stoudermire (Bengals) and Kerwynn Williams (Colts) will try to help their teams excel, amidst last year’s rule change of moving up to the 35 for kickoffs. Jeff Locke (UCLA) will join Walsh in Minnesota to further the special teams cause.
Most fans only notice special teams heroics only if they directly affect the outcome of the game. A game winning field goal or return for a touchdown gets much more attention than a 60 yard punt or key tackle. A shanked punt or missed extra points also get that negative press. True connoisseurs of the NFL notice them daily; after all, these are all significant plays which involve a lot of yardage and field position changing hands.
Hopefully more people with focus on these overlooked aspects of the game with the help of media mavens such as Rich Eisen and his podcast and work on NFL Network. I suggest offensive lineman should be next in line for some attention.
