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(PHOTO: Joe Camporeale - USA TODAY Sports) For all the attention the New England Patriots offense received this past season for its struggles, the special teams unit also saw a substantial decline under third-year Cam Achord.
The issues with special teams, in coverage especially, came to a head in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills when the Patriots, despite scoring more points on offense than their opponents, still lost after allowing two kickoff returns for touchdowns by Nyheim Hines.
After the game and the regular season, the Patriots finished 2022 dead last in special teams DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). This a shocking drop-off once you consider the Patriots finished in the top 10 in special teams DVOA in 16 of the previous 21 seasons and were ranked first as recently as 2020.
In 2022, the Patriots allowed three kick returns for touchdowns after allowing three in the previous 20 seasons.
Punter Jake Bailey also ranked last in the NFL in net punting average before being replaced midseason by Michael Palardy, who was even worse.
Despite all the bad, rookie Marcus Jones showed promise in the return game, while Brendan Schooler led the team in special teams tackles and added two fumble recoveries before a shoulder injury slowed him late in the year.
Heading into 2023, one big question surrounding the special team unit’s future was whether or not team captain Matthew Slater would return for another season.
On February 17th, Slater announced his return for a 16th season.
“It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season,” Slater said in a statement. “I thank God for His continued grace and provision over my career. I look forward to continuing to play under the leadership of Coach (Bill) Belichick. Thank you to the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization for allowing me to continue to pursue my childhood dream. See you in the fall. God Bless.”
The news could not have been better since the unit remains on the younger side heading into 2023. The veteran experience Slater provides remains invaluable for players like Schooler, who he believes is capable of one-day leading special teams.
“I like to shout out my guy Brenden Schooler, who I think is going to be the next special teams great for our team,” Slater said earlier this month.
Both Schooler and Marcus Jones received selections to the PFWA rookie team, but if the Patriots’ special team unit is to get back on track, another year of Slater will go a long way in helping, even if he’s 37. Did you know he has had double-digit special teams tackles in 11 straight seasons?
How it all plays out remains to be seen in February but Slater’s consistency and knowledge still in the locker room at least provides added promise heading into the draft and life beyond him when he does finally hang it up for a red (maybe gold) jacket.
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