Wow, there sure are a lot of teams in the NFL and they all have special teams! Ranking these teams is no easy task because there’s so much to consider.
The first thing I look for is overall proficiency when it comes to kicking, punting and returning kicks. That’s the primary job of the team’s special units, so it’s what I use as a base for my ranking. I also look for stats like how often they cover kicks when another team is returning them, and their ability to pressure the opposing team’s kicker and punter in key situations.
In addition to that, I look for smaller, intangibles, too. I consider the team’s ability to match up with other teams’ special teams and how they handle the crafty, less-used plays. That’s the type of stuff that can make or break a game.
The thing I like most about NFL Special Teams is the underdog factor. It’s great to see a team’s special teams be denied touchdowns or kick long field goals just because the players gave their all. That’s true greatness right there and it’s something I see every week in the NFL.
Another thing that I feel is important is the ability to win the field position battle. This is especially important when your team is struggling offensively or has a tough defense to score against. Special teams can really give your team the edge when it comes to that battle.
Finally, I also look for team unity and camaraderie. It’s great to see a team pull together as a unit and give 100% effort on every single play. That’s something that the best NFL Special Teams have in spades and it’s what I use to rank them.
All in all, the NFL Special Teams rankings are a tricky thing to nail down. It’s a subjective exercise, because there’s so much to consider and individual skills play an important role. But, I try to be as objective as possible, and use all the criteria mentioned above to determine my rankings.