Jacksonville Jaguars Special Teams will Rebound in 2017
After a year of missed opportunities the Jacksonville Jaguars special teams look to contribute in a positive way.
Last season was a down year for our special teams. Limited return yards, fumbled punt returns, and missed tackles all took its toll on the Jacksonville Jaguars special teams unit. With a new league year about to begin there are several reasons for positivity this offseason.
One reason for belief in the special teams success going forward is in part to coach Joe DeCamillis. This season he will enter his twenty-ninth year in the league. DeCamillis will bring experience needed to guide these players to success.
Another reason that the Jags can find success is the contribution of Marqise Lee as a returner. Lee came on late in the season and has shown he has the speed and ability to return kicks. Looking towards this coming season a healthy Lee will add a dangerous edge to this unit.
Jason Myers also has the potential for greater success under DeCamillis. After success his first year, Myers saw his percentage on field goals dip to 79%. Entering his third season, youth is no longer a excuse for this twenty five year old. Marrone has already shown faith in the kicker, having him kick eight field goals in his last two games. Myers went six of eight with a long of fifty six yards in those final games against Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. If the Jags can find success next season Myers will have his hand in it.
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Also punter Brad Nortman has also been a recent bright spot for the special team. With twenty seven kicks inside the twenty last season and a long of seventy eight yards. In a down year for special teams Nortman has shown the potential and ability to consistently flip field position for the team.
Finally, a reduction of penalties will also help the Jags special teams units. At times illegal leverage penalties and offsides hampered the Jags at critical times. Coaching under DeCamillis will look to fix these past mistakes.
Overall with an influx of coaching with the addition of DeCamills, production from returning players like Lee and Myers, and a reduction in penalties will all help the Jags special teams find success this season.