Arizona Cardinals: Grading 2016 position by position

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Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals placekicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) attempts a field goal as punter Matt Wile (6) holds the ball during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Special teams

This was the unit that in the end was the biggest factor in the Cardinals not returning to the postseason in 2016. Every phase of special teams struggled at times.

From kicking, punting, long-snapping, punt returns, and kick returns, the Cardinals can point to at least five games that contributed to their end result.

Kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed seven field goals and four extra points in 2016. He missed game-winners against the Patriots, the Seahawks, and a late fourth-quarter game-tying attempt in Miami. Then he made a game-winner in Seattle two weeks later.

Catanzaro needs to have competition in camp next season. He needs someone to push him. He didn’t have that in camp in 2016.

Punting was a disaster as well. They went through three punters (Drew Butler twice) and just signed a fourth on Thursday. That guy is Richie Leone. He averaged 49-yards a punt over the last two seasons for the BC Lions of the CFL. Maybe there is hope there?

The Cardinals had field goals and punts blocked. They had one blocked just last Sunday in Los Angeles. If special teams coach Amos Jones isn’t going anywhere then someone needs to come in and help.

In addition they need to find better long-snappers as well. Aaron Brewer struggled at times after the rookie issues they had to start the season. There has been no indication though the Cardinals will be looking to replace Brewer. We’ll see.

Who will be back in 2017?

Maybe: Chandler Catanzaro, Matt Wile, Richie Leone, Aaron Brewer

Grade: D-

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