Rick Gosselin's special teams rankings [merged]

[RayClay]

Special Teams?

Rick "Goose" Gosselin -- does as good a job as anyone of doing it. In fact, I'm pretty sure every team in the league takes a good, long look at his special teams rankings.

And this year, he's got Seely's "Teams" in Cleveland at the top of the list.

But if you want another way of looking at Seely's importance, there's this ... In 2009, Goose had the Patriots 16th in his special teams rankings, a bit of slip from seventh in 2008 and ninth in 2007.

Is it the coaching, do we need an Izzo replacement, or do we need more competition for spots?

We supposedly had indispensable special teams only specialists, yet Kyle Arrington outdid just about everyone in half a season.

Maybe we need to give practice squad and other hungry players like Arrington a chance to knock off draft picks and veteran specialists who can't really play the position they're listed at..

Thoughts?

 

[mcmurtry86]

Re: Special Teams?

Is it the coaching, do we need an Izzo replacement, or do we need more competition for spots?

We supposedly had indispensable special teams only specialists, yet Kyle Arrington outdid just about everyone in half a season.

Maybe we need to give practice squad and other hungry players like Arrington a chance to knock off draft picks and veteran specialists who can't really play the position they're listed at..

Thoughts?

Not sure what Gosselin's rankings are based on, if they include kick returns (rather than just coverage teams), it shouldn't be a surprise that that Pats were mediocre....their return teams were putrid.

The coverage units were mediocre, Arrington looked good, Slater was decent, Lockett was ok before he got hurt, Woods was solid. Aiken wasn't particularly noticeable which is bad considering that's his main job.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Special Teams?

Not sure what Gosselin's rankings are based on, if they include kick returns (rather than just coverage teams), it shouldn't be a surprise that that Pats were mediocre....their return teams were putrid.

The coverage units were mediocre, Arrington looked good, Slater was decent, Lockett was ok before he got hurt, Woods was solid. Aiken wasn't particularly noticeable which is bad considering that's his main job.

Aiken was noticeable for being targeted by the primary blockers for the other teams.

 

[RayClay]

Re: Special Teams?

Forgot this.

CB Kyle Arrington -- 18
LB Pierre Woods -- 18
LB Eric Alexander -- 13
S Pat Chung -- 13
S Brandon McGowan -- 12
WR Sam Aiken -- 11
LB Rob Ninkovich -- 11
WR Matthew Slater -- 7
K Stephen Gostkowski -- 6

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...2/arrington-woods-finish-in-special-teams-tie

 

[patriotscpfc]

Re: Special Teams?

Slater and Aiken were two guys double teamed by the main blockers.

Slater often got the first hit before the guy was brought down (in the 2nd half of the season, it was often by Arrington)

 

[RayClay]

Re: Special Teams?

Slater and Aiken were two guys double teamed by the main blockers.

Slater often got the first hit before the guy was brought down (in the 2nd half of the season, it was often by Arrington)

I'd probably try to target Arrington. considering those 18 tackles were in eight games.

 

[102 Pat]

Re: Special Teams?

What is Arrington's contract status?

 

[PatsChamp88]

Re: Special Teams?

What is Arrington's contract status?

2010: $395,000
2011: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

Kyle Arrington

 

[Sicilian]

Re: Special Teams?

I don't have any numbers in front of me, but I always felt like our coverage teams were pretty good. Punt return seemed average as well. Kickoff returns were AWFUL, and given how many people we used at the position, I have to blame that on coaching (which includes scheme, preparation, and personnel selection for the KO return units). Something just wasn't working there.

 

[PatsChamp88]

Re: Special Teams?

For some reason OP didn't include the original article/rankings here it is:
Special teams rankings: Browns find bright spot after tough year | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News

 

[Triumph]

Brad Seely came out smelling like a rose.
Special teams rankings: Browns find bright spot after tough year | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News

 

[PatsChamp88]

Re: Rick Gosselins special teams rankings

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/10/323154-special-teams.html helps when you got one of the best return guys in the game.

 

[patriotscpfc]

Re: Rick Gosselins special teams rankings

Best Return guy in history?

Saw a couple of Brownies games online.

He literally returns a kick to the house and then flattens a guy on Special Teams as the Gunner.

Quality, quality player.

And one that would fit in so well as a Patriot as he does everything. Special Teams, a bit of Offense and has played on D as well.

 

[RayClay]

Re: Rick Gosselins special teams rankings

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/10/323154-special-teams.html helps when you got one of the best return guys in the game.

They didn't need to spend a pick or trade for him either. Apparently just an UDFA who was hungry to make a squad.

You'd think Kent State coach Pees might have known about him.