What does a special teams coach actually do?

[brainless wuss]

I'm not sure if this shows it's the players or the coaches, but it does demonstrate our continued (at best) mediocrity.

Per ESPN:

OPPONENT OPPONENT

AVG KO RETURN AVG PUNT RETURN AVG KO RETURN AVG PUNT RETURN

YDS/RANK YDS/RANK YDS/RANK YDS/RANK

2011 (Range 18.6-27.2) (Range 3.4-15.7) (Range 20.4-30.7) (Range 4.8-13.5)

Panthers 23.7/16 5.5/30 27.0/3rd worst 13.4/3rd worst

Detroit 24.0/14 7.9/26 25.6/7 13.4/2

(Crossman's current team)

I couldn't find the all the same numbers for 2009 (Crossman's last year):

Per NFL.com:

Panthers 19.9/31 8.3/16

Detroit 21.4/16 8.3/16

(Range18.2-26.3) (Range 4.4-13.5)

[Jackofalltrades]

I was literally appalled that Crossman got another ST gig coming off his performance, or lack thereof, here.

[Snake]

Most of the problem is that our Defense is bad. Bad Defense equals bad ST play. Maybe if we have a few good defensive drafts then we might see some progress from ST.

[TheRed]

Here, not much apparently. Is Crossman still with the Lions?

[brainless wuss]

Sorry that didn't format well.

The gist is Panthers ranked 16th in AVG Kickoff yards and 30th in AVG Punt return yards in 2011. They allowed the 3rd most kickoff yard returns and 3rd most punt return yards. This compares to Detroits 14/26 and 7/4.8. Yes Crossman is still their ST Coordinator.

The last year Crossman was with the Panthers (2009) they were 31 and 16 in kickoff and punt return yards. I could not find data on what they allowed the opposition that year.

[2jakefansinva]

IMO...........it's not the coach. It's the players.

get down the field fast, stay in your lane, shed blocks and no arm tackles. Directional kicking and hangtime also helps.

as far as the return game.................trade for Devin hester.

[redbuddha]

Would there be any shame watching some Nick Saban or Frank Beamer tape on well run coverage units.

[rodeo]

Bad coaching is a big part of it, but a bad roster hurts too. The bottom third or so of our roster is awful. When you waste valuable roster spots on non-NFL caliber guys like Edwards and Clausen you have less room for special teams contributors.

3rd string QBs usually play special teams, do they?

[TheOracle]

Answer: Fail.