In four of our last five losses, ST's has played a key factor in the loss. It wasn't the main reason, but it's concerning that they choose these games to struggle.
-Last night was obvious. Just horrendous all around.
-Seattle game- they let up a huge PR right before Seattle's last drive. Not sure if a decent punt would have changed the outcome given the way our D was playing, but starting on your own 20 vs. midfield makes a huge difference at that point.
-AZ game - blocked punt leading to a TD. Then Ghostkowski's shank.
- SB last year - Let up some KR out to the 35, at least one led to a FG where it may not have been had we gotten a plain old touchback. Poor KR on our end, one possession we had to start inside our 20, went 3 and out, bad punt led to them starting in our territory - another easy FG. The punts they downed inside the 5 nothing much we could do I guess just great plays by them, but further highlight how badly we were outplayed on ST that day despite the Giants not being known at all for ST.
Even though we've been solid for the most part, you can't really say ST has been the difference in any wins other than the first Jets game. These close games are the ones where they need to shine and they've been a liability for the most part in those. With Edelman out, this team needs a return specialist even if he's taking a roster spot solely as a returner. Both return units are a liability now other than one return by DMC.