Punting statistics are one of the most misunderstood in football. The terms “gross punting average” and “net punting average” are thrown around as measures of punters’ abilities, when in reality, the picture is much more complicated. Both of those statistics are significantly impacted by field position, and also fail to take into account hang time…
How do NFL teams allocate resources? Dave Archibald has looked at the real price of contract extensions and draft picks on quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, offensive linemen, cornerbacks and the trends on offense in general. In this installment, he looks at how teams evaluate special teams investment. Special teams is often an afterthought for NFL analysts, who tend to focus on…
Many NFL fans are familiar with big NFL kicks in the postseason – Jim O’Brien in Super Bowl V, Adam Vinatieri in the Snow Bowl, Vinatieri in Super Bowl XXXVI, Vinatieri in Super Bowl XXXVIII. We have even seen a number of big misses in recent history – Blair Walsh missing a 27-yard field goal…
With the lack of consistency displayed by the Denver Broncos’ offense this year, punter Britton Colquitt was called on to punt 84 times, the eighth-highest total in the league. Despite lacking a powerful leg by NFL standards, Colquitt was able to post a productive year by virtue of his directional punting game, which is among…
Punters are a misunderstood breed. Many analysts have struggled to adequately measure punting performance. Usage of statistics such as gross average, net average, and yards per return do not capture the impact a punter has on the game. Field position, situation, and coverage are all critical. By focusing purely on distance control – how far, how…
Football is littered with specialized terminology. From 4 technique to pivot route, commentators rarely get to explain everything you need to know before the next play. Inside The Pylon’s glossary was developed to give fans a deeper understanding of the game through clear explanations, as well as image and video examples. Please contact us with any…
Inside The Pylon works to deliver quality football content to our readers. This Week in Football Writing collects some of our favorite pieces from friends and colleagues last week and shares them with you. The Art of the Rub: Pick Plays Catching on Among NFL Teams Tim Graham, of The Buffalo News, writes about how the evolution of the rub route, or…
Football is littered with specialized terminology. From option route to spin move, commentators rarely get to explain everything you need to know before the next play. Inside The Pylon’s glossary was developed to give fans a deeper understanding of the game through clear explanations, as well as image and video examples. Please contact us with any…
The New England Patriots have shredded two of the best punt coverage units in the NFL in back-to-back weeks, making the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts look pedestrian. Now, as they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, an array of dazzling returns and special teams superstars could be poised to make a difference.…
Jon Ryan made a name for himself during the NFC Championship Game, proving that punters can be quarterbacks when called upon. Now, he faces a skilled New England Patriots squad that features a dynamic returner, exceptional blockers, and a varied scheme that has baffled two of the league’s best punters in New England’s most recent…
Chuck Zodda has an infatuation with special teams. He enjoys long punts through the air, well-lit wall returns, and quiet time spent alone with punt gunners. But he also has a side that loves confrontation – in this case, the epic battle about to be waged between the Indianapolis Colts‘ Pat McAfee and New England…
The Ravens at Patriots special teams preview looks at the kickoff and punt coverage units, the return teams, plus the kickers and the punters for both teams. The Baltimore Ravens face the New England Patriots for the fourth time in the postseason. Special teams proved decisive in their 2012 battle, as Billy Cundiff’s missed field…
The Ravens at Steelers special teams preview looks at the kickoff and punt coverage units, the return teams, plus the kickers and punters for both teams. Sam Koch has spent all nine years of his NFL career as the Ravens punter. Like most pros at his position, Koch has seen a steady improvement in his…