Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns: Special Teams Stepped Up

In the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns game on Sunday the Jaguars’ special teams finally stepped up in a big way. They directly contributed to seven points off a muffed punt return by Jordan Poyer that bounced off his facemask and rolled into the waiting arms of LaRoy Reynolds.

The big story, aside from the muffed punt return, was an overall improvement in blocking and returning. Ace Sanders was able to put in some solid work as the primary punt returner and the blocking both on returns and in kicking packages was much improved over recent weeks.

Sanders struggled to move the ball forward on punt returns, relying too much on trying to get around and put a move on defenders. The speedy, shifty receiver needed to turn the ball upfield sooner rather than later. He did that on Sunday with four returns for a total of 41 yards. His game-long 19 yard return was incredibly good and highlighted the reason why he was eagerly put back into his return duties after coming back from suspension.

The blocking was also excellent for Sanders.

Blocking while kicking was also a solid treat for the Jags. Not only did Josh Scobee get a field goal, no other kicks were blocked (two have been so far this season) and the unit looked crisp. You need your special teams unit to go out and get the job done. After a disappointing end to the game against the Tennessee Titans the week before from a blocked field goal it was good to just see them go out and do their jobs.

Coverage units were also good on Browns returns. As indicated by the fumble recovery, the Jaguars were in the right place at the right time for punts. Marlon Moore did rip off a 32 yard kick return, but the coverage guys limited Jordan Poyer to an official two returns for just six yards.

Jaguars punter Bryan Anger did a good job of making punts unreturnable, many unfortunately becoming touchbacks. One punt in particular, downed inside the 10 was excellent. He finished the day with eight punts and a decent 43.1 yard average per punt.