Special Teamers - which ones and how many make the roster?

[patchick]

Re: Special Teamers

What we seem to be saying (as we have all along) is that the critical roster is the Game 3 Roster rather than the Game 1 Roster. There are often changes after the final cut. Also, afte Game 1, veteran salaries are no longer guaranteed (if this is in the new CBA asin the old).

So assuming this approach, what are the tactical implications for cutdown day? Looking at the players whom many fans have as bubble guys, I see several who will have to pass waivers and who could easily be claimed:

Tate, Edelman, Maneri, Smith, Butler, Yeatman

And here's the opposite end of the spectrum, vested veterans most likely to wait until they can reclaim their lockers in Foxboro:

Morris, White, Warren

 

[mgteich]

Re: Special Teamers

Of course, the open question is whether these players would be just as likely to be claimed if they were waived a week or two into the season.

But, yes (assuming cooperation from the players), Belichick could have 3 rosters spots available for a couple of weeks.

So assuming this approach, what are the tactical implications for cutdown day? Looking at the players whom many fans have as bubble guys, I see several who will have to pass waivers and who could easily be claimed:

Tate, Edelman, Maneri, Smith, Butler, Yeatman

And here's the opposite end of the spectrum, vested veterans most likely to wait until they can reclaim their lockers in Foxboro:

Morris, White, Warren

 

[jmt57]

Re: Special Teamers

I know most people expect the rule changes to greatly reduce the importance of the kickoff return game, but what if it doesn't? What if instead of kicking touchbacks teams put the ball high and just short of the goal line and try to pin teams inside the 10. This would increase the importance of the kick return game, especially the blocking, when you could potentially lose 10 yards in starting position each return.

That was something that crossed my mind going back to when this change was first being discussed.

I don't know, is it feasible for kickers to kick the ball off a tee any higher than they are already doing? Punters can pinpoint height and distance fairly well, but I would think that it would be more difficult for kickers to have similar accuracy from that distance.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Re: Special Teamers

That was something that crossed my mind going back to when this change was first being discussed.

I don't know, is it feasible for kickers to kick the ball off a tee any higher than they are already doing? Punters can pinpoint height and distance fairly well, but I would think that it would be more difficult for kickers to have similar accuracy from that distance.

If height and distance can be controlled better by a Punter, is it required to use a Tee when Kicking off? I know that no tee can be used on the kick after a Safety, but I thought you had the option of kicking a FG with a drop-kick or a holder, even though everyone uses an holder, just like everyone uses a tee or and sometimes a holder, (in windy conditions), on a Kickoff.

Or do they do that simply for maximum distance when the kickoff distance was longer? What is the Rule?

 

[jmt57]

Re: Special Teamers

If height and distance can be controlled better by a Punter, is it required to use a Tee when Kicking off? I know that no tee can be used on the kick after a Safety, but I thought you had the option of kicking a FG with a drop-kick or a holder, even though everyone uses an holder, just like everyone uses a tee or and sometimes a holder, (in windy conditions), on a Kickoff.

Or do they do that simply for maximum distance when the kickoff distance was longer? What is the Rule?

I was wondering about that too, but you can't punt on a kickoff:

NFL Rules Digest: Kickoff

Kickoff

In addition to a kickoff, the other free kick is a kick after a safety (safety kick). A punt may be used (a punt may not be used on a kickoff).

On a safety kick, the team scored upon puts ball in play by a punt, dropkick, or placekick without tee. No score can be made on a free kick following a safety, even if a series of penalties places team in position. (A field goal can be scored only on a play from scrimmage or a free kick after a fair catch.)

 

[patchick]

Re: Special Teamers

So assuming this approach, what are the tactical implications for cutdown day? Looking at the players whom many fans have as bubble guys, I see several who will have to pass waivers and who could easily be claimed:

Tate, Edelman, Maneri, Smith, Butler, Yeatman

And here's the opposite end of the spectrum, vested veterans most likely to wait until they can reclaim their lockers in Foxboro:

Morris, White, Warren

Sure enough, three of those young guys were waived -- Tate, Smith and Yeatman -- and all three were claimed. I have to say, I'm a little baffled that a guy like White wasn't cut for the short term to protect Yeatman for at least a little while. :confused2: