Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals: Special teams looking drastically better

By Jim Koch

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 19: Kicker Phil Dawson SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 19: Kicker Phil Dawson #9 and punter Andy Lee #4 of the San Francisco 49ers sit on the bench during the 2014 NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 19: Kicker Phil Dawson SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 19: Kicker Phil Dawson #9 and punter Andy Lee #4 of the San Francisco 49ers sit on the bench during the 2014 NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Despite the continued presence of Amos Jones, the Arizona Cardinals’ special teams unit could be vastly improved this season

The Arizona Cardinals knew what they had to do. The club’s brass had watched the special teams portion of their football team squander winnable games in 2016. Losses that more than likely cost the Cardinals a postseason appearance.

With it painfully obvious that changes were needed, the front office went into action. Problem areas have been addressed this offseason. Reinforcements were brought in, and some pretty good ones at that.

The first piece to be sent packing was placekicker Chandler Catanzaro. His eleven missed kicks were a major contributor to Arizona’s troubles last year. Another year of the “Catman” trotting onto the field to attempt important field goals or extra points would not have been a comforting sight.

His replacement just happened to be one of the NFL’s most-reliable kickers. Phil Dawson, a veteran of 18 campaigns in the league, was welcomed with open arms. The 42-year old will provide a calming presence that was sorely needed.

More from Raising Zona

It took awhile, but the Cards’ frighteningly bad punting situation finally got worked out last week. Veteran Andy Lee’s release from the Carolina Panthers was a godsend to the squad in the desert. His arrival should rectify what has been one of the NFL’s worst punting games of the past few seasons.

The Cardinals’ uninspiring return game received what appeared to be an upgrade during April’s draft. Running back T.J. Logan, a fifth-round pick out of North Carolina, was selected to be that upgrade. The rookie flashed his ability during the Arizona’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, only to suffer a serious wrist injury. He’s been placed on injured reserve but may return after eight games.

Another draft pick, sixth-rounder Rudy Ford, was an outstanding special teams gunner at Auburn. That’s probably the main reason that he made the Cards’ 53-man roster. The fact that three-time Pro Bowl special teamer Justin Bethel could see less time on the coverage units makes Ford’s role even more valuable.

Another move just announced could also help strengthen the group. Scooby Wright, an inside linebacker, was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad. Like Ford, Wright is also an excellent special teams performer.

Now, after all of that good news comes some bad news. Special teams coach Amos Jones, despite presiding over the mess of last season, still remains. How he was given a complete pass for what went on a year ago is mind-boggling.

The fact that Jones and head coach Bruce Arians have known each other for decades may be working in the special teams leader’s favor. Most assistant coaches who’s group was directly connected to three defeats would’ve been shown the door. Arians has steadfastly refused to blame his colleague for the glaring failures.

Overall, management has done a great job with improving that area of the Cardinals. If they finish below. 500 this year, the special teams most likely won’t be one of the reasons for it. And that should be music to the ears of the fans.

Home/Cardinals News