I dont think people realize how important a kicker and a punter are to a team

[whalewager]

Field position alone is so important to a ballgame...

 

[krk1030]

It's a huge factor in college, but in the NFL most teams are pretty comparable in the kicking game.

 

[billhill999]

Field postion is the game.
Experts will tell you the game is made up of three equal parts.
1/3 offense.
1/3 defense.
1/3 special teams.

Win 2 out of 3 of these, you win the game.

 

[kreitmaster]

Special teams has played a solid role in killing the Redskins season. Poor field goal kicking and punting can kill a mediocre team.

 

[whalewager]

I have seen a many a game controlled by field position.

 

[HAT]

Case in point...

Week 16:

Denver=532 yards
Buff=275 yards

TOP:
Denver 33+
Buff 26+

Final score:
Denver 23
Buff 30

Yes...Buff also won the TO battle but if you watched the game....field position cleary was the difference.

 

[j0hnnyv]

Giants sent their kicker and punter to the probowl. both around 45 years old carney and feagles. They set up so much for that team its great. Carney made every fg this season besides 2 that were blocked. feagles coffin corners every kick, a lost art in the NFL.

 

[C-Gold]

Look at the Colts/Bears SB. You had not only the Bears awsome returner Hester, but the colts terrible coverage. Do you understand what kind of an advantage you have when Hester runs 1 kick back, and all of your other possessions start at the 40? You are almost already in FG range with a strong legged kicker.

How about Jeff Feagles directional kicks? I used to think you always wanted the punter with the strongest boot, but having a guy that can pin opponents inside their 10 and 5 yardline is so valued.

The only complaint I have about John Carney is that he has a weak kickoff leg. The other teams returners catch the ball at the 5 and 10. I strongly advise teams with older, accurate kickers to keep a kickoff specialist. It is NOT a waste. If you have a guy that can give you an extra 10 yards on every kickoff, and you kick off on average of 5 times per game, that guy is giving you an extra 50 "hidden yards" that you don't have to defend. Would you rather have some backup LB, lineman or WR who never plays or only plays special teams, or have a guy that gives you guaranteed better opportunites at the start of drives.

It isn't for everybody, but the teams with the weak kick off guys should all have a kick off specialist.