Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

Everyone knows how important special teams is to BB. Right now the Pats look pretty nicely set with talent all over the unit:

- K: Gostkowski is a former Pro Bowler and still one of the better kickers in the NFL.

- P: Zoltan Mesko is emerging as a top NFL punter. His 46.5 average was 11th last year, and his 41.5 net ranked 3rd.

- KR/PR: the Jeff Demps signing finally gives hope for a long term solution at the return position. It's early, but he's got to be an improvement over what we've had the past several years, with the exception of Brandon Tate in the first half of 2010. Julian Edelman is one of the better returners in the NFL. And if they kick it short, there's always Dan Connolly.

- Gunners: Matt Slater was an All Pro in 2011. Kyle Arrington has excelled for several years. Nate Ebner was a ST demon at Ohio St. There are a ton of other guys who should be able to contribute in a significant way - Tavon Wilson, Pat Chung, Steve Gregory, Bobby Carpenter, Danny Woodhead, Shane Vereen, etc. Plus Jeff Tarpinian/Tracy White/Niko Koutovides and Josh Barrett/Marquice Cole if they make the squad.

This is shaping up to be a pretty good unit, especially if Demps can solve the KR problem and Ebner emerges as a force.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

Right there with you. Definitely has the the potential to be one of the best we've seen in awhile.

Of course the world is abuzz with the Demps signing. Certainly could be the the exciting player they've lacked. Still waiting to see what happens with Tarp and White though.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

The only question about Demps is can he absorb what he needs to absorb and be ready for the first game in a short span of time...

There is not a lot of time left, and decisions have to be made...

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

The Pats generally have strong special teams. Rick Gosselin ranked the Pats' special teams 1st overall in 2010 and according to Football Outsiders they ranked 3rd overall last year. The only reason for the drop was the poor kick return play:

Jeff Demps: Signing Silver Medalist Will Boost Patriots' Special Teams | Bleacher Report

Pats top special teams rankings - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

After going years without a decent punter, the Space Emperor (of Space) is emerging as one of the best in the NFL. Demps should help in the return game. And there are a ton of young turks with excellent ST background on the coverage units. Not a bad place from which to start.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

Reiss with a nice read on Demps and the KR position:

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/...urns-literally

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

The question is can he learn enough of the playbook on offense to add depth there? If so who get's cut? Either Bolden and they hope to slide him to the practice squad or they try to deal Woodhead before the cuts come down.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

I don't see either of those happening, personally.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

Not sure Ebner even makes the team.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

Guess all we need now is an "Offense is shaping up" thread. Who'd a thunk it.

Re: Special Teams Shaping Up?
 

It's not essential to this thread that he does (though I personally think he will). If he doesn't, whoever beats him out - Barrett, Cole, or someone else - will have to be an ace STer.