Super Bowl XLIV: Special Teams

Last week I talked about Special Teams and told you that "Special Men Will Make or Break You."   With two great offenses going against inferior defenses, this could easily be the case for Sunday's Super Bowl.  Remember this unit is responsible for securing field position and they put points on the scoreboard in three different ways: Extra Point (1 point);  Two-point Conversion (2 points); and Field Goal (3 points).  In the NFC Championship Game, Special Teams scored the final points of the game with a field goal in overtime.  So, I think we have to take a look at the key players on Special Teams for the Colts and the Saints to predict who will be Super Bowl Champs.


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SPECIAL TEAMS

Pat McAfee (#1) - Punter.  Rookie with an average of over 37 yards per punt. 

Matt Stover (#3) - Kicker. One of the NFL's all-time kicking leaders.  Clutch kicker, but does not have long range.

Chad Simpson (#35) - Kick Returner.  Did not do much in the playoffs, but during the season he averaged 23.6 yards and had a 93 yard touchdown.

T.J. Rushing (#20) - Punt Returner.  Averaged 5.7 yards on punt returns.

The Colts may use Wide Receiver, Pierre Garcon, to return some punts.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS SPECIAL TEAMS

Thomas Morstead (#6) - Punter.  Rookie who has gained a reputation for being poised.  Solid punter and kicker and he did both in the playoffs.  

Garrett Hartley (#5) - Kicker.  His kick in overtime won the NFC Title.  Did not play a lot during the regular season.  He was out because he used a banned substance and on the bench when he returned.  Has been accurate since coming back in December and playing in the playoffs.

Courtney Roby (#15) - Kick Returner.  Strong runner (ran track in college), but injured his knee during the NFC Championship Game.

Reggie Bush (#25) - Punt Returner and starting Running Back.  Returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown in the playoff  game against Arizona.  This is the third longest return in NFL playoff history.

I have a feeling that one of these groups is going to make Sunday a very special day for their team and fans.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets