Underrated Special Teams: 2024 NFL Season’s Hidden Gems
The 2024 NFL regular season delivered numerous spectacular moments, yet many crucial special teams plays went largely unnoticed. This article uncovers the five most underrated special teams highlights that significantly impacted games.
While offensive touchdowns and defensive sacks often grab the headlines, the unsung heroes of the gridiron, special teams, consistently deliver pivotal moments. This article dives deep into the 5 most underrated special teams highlights from the 2024 NFL regular season, exploring the plays that shifted momentum, decided games, and showcased incredible athleticism and strategy, yet somehow flew under the mainstream radar.
The Art of the Blocked Punt: A Game-Changing Momentum Shift
Blocked punts are arguably one of the most electrifying plays in football, capable of instantly flipping field position and igniting a sideline. In the 2024 season, one particular blocked punt stood out, not just for its execution, but for its profound impact on a tightly contested divisional game.
This play occurred in Week 7, during a crucial matchup between two AFC North rivals. With the score tied in the fourth quarter, one team’s special teams unit unleashed a perfectly timed rush that overwhelmed the protection. The ball was swatted away, recovered deep in enemy territory, and directly led to a go-ahead touchdown.
Precision and Timing: The Keys to Success
- Explosive Get-Off: The rusher demonstrated an incredible burst off the line, splitting two blockers with sheer speed.
- Hand Placement: The block itself was textbook, with the player extending fully to get a hand on the ball at its zenith.
- Immediate Recovery: The recovery unit was disciplined, scooping up the loose ball cleanly and efficiently.
The beauty of this play wasn’t just the block itself, but the meticulous planning and execution behind it. Coaches had clearly identified a weakness in the opponent’s punt protection, and their players capitalized flawlessly. This single play changed the entire complexion of the game, proving that sometimes, the biggest plays come from the often-overlooked special teams unit.
Ultimately, this blocked punt served as a powerful reminder that every phase of the game matters. It was a testament to the dedication of special teams coordinators and the players who embrace their specialized roles, often without the fanfare of their offensive or defensive counterparts.
The Unexpected Onside Kick: A Bold Call That Paid Off
The onside kick is a high-risk, high-reward play that rarely succeeds, making its successful execution a truly memorable event. In the 2024 season, one team pulled off an onside kick at a moment when no one anticipated it, completely catching their opponent off guard and altering the game’s trajectory.
This particular incident unfolded in a Week 12 inter-conference clash. Down by eight points with just over two minutes left, most expected a conventional kickoff. However, the kicking team opted for a surprise onside, perfectly placing the ball for a difficult but recoverable bounce. The execution was flawless, leading to a scramble that ended with the kicking team regaining possession.
Strategic Genius and Flawless Execution
The success of this onside kick hinged on several factors. First, the element of surprise was paramount; the timing was unexpected, creating confusion among the receiving team. Second, the kicker’s precision was exceptional, hitting the ball with just the right amount of force and spin to create a favorable bounce.
- Deception: The kicking team lined up in a standard formation, masking their true intentions until the last second.
- Kicker’s Touch: The kick itself was a work of art, designed to bounce high and short, giving the recovering team a chance.
- Scrum Intelligence: Players converged on the ball with an understanding of the rules and where to position themselves for recovery.
This play wasn’t just about luck; it was a testament to calculated risk and impeccable training. The recovery ignited a late-game drive that resulted in a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, sending the game into overtime. While the ultimate outcome of the game isn’t the focus here, the onside kick itself was a masterful display of special teams strategy and execution that deserved far more recognition.
The Punt Return for Touchdown: Elusive Runner, Perfect Blocking
A punt return for a touchdown is always a highlight-reel play, but some are more impressive than others due to the sheer athleticism and coordinated blocking involved. One particular punt return from the 2024 season stands out as truly underrated, showcasing an individual’s brilliance combined with exceptional team effort.
This highlight occurred in Week 9, featuring a return specialist known for his agility but who hadn’t yet broken a long one. Facing a well-drilled punt coverage unit, he received the ball near his own 20-yard line. What followed was a mesmerizing display of vision, quick cuts, and a series of perfectly executed blocks that cleared a path all the way to the end zone.
Vision, Agility, and Coordinated Blocking
The returner’s ability to read the blocks and make defenders miss in tight spaces was extraordinary. He weaved through traffic, utilizing subtle jukes and changes of direction that left would-be tacklers grasping at air. Crucially, his teammates held their blocks, creating lanes and sealing off pursuit angles, allowing him to accelerate into open field.
- Initial Read: The returner quickly identified the primary lane opened by his front-line blockers.
- Instinctive Cuts: He made several sharp cuts, eluding multiple defenders with exceptional footwork.
- Sustained Blocking: The blocking unit maintained their assignments for an extended period, crucial for a long return.
What made this play so underrated was that it happened in a game where the offense was struggling, and this punt return single-handedly provided the spark needed to revitalize the team. It was a moment of individual brilliance amplified by collective effort, demonstrating the explosive potential of special teams when all elements align perfectly.
The return specialist’s combination of speed, vision, and courage to trust his blockers made this an unforgettable, yet often overlooked, moment of the 2024 season. It underscored how a single special teams play can dictate the emotional pulse of an entire contest.
The Fake Punt Conversion: Deception at its Finest
Fake punts are among the riskiest and most exciting special teams plays. When executed successfully, they demonstrate a coach’s belief in their unit and a team’s willingness to take calculated risks. The 2024 season featured a fake punt that was a masterclass in deception and execution, providing a critical first down in a high-stakes situation.
This daring play took place in Week 14. With the ball at midfield on fourth-and-long, deep in their own territory, and trailing by a narrow margin, most teams would have punted. However, the special teams coordinator had a trick up his sleeve. The punter, instead of kicking, took a direct snap and threw a quick pass to an uncovered gunner down the sideline for a crucial first down.
The Element of Surprise and Flawless Execution
The success of this fake punt was rooted in its unexpected timing and the flawless execution by every player involved. The receiving team had completely committed to blocking the punt, leaving the gunner wide open. The punter, a former high school quarterback, delivered a perfect spiral, and the gunner secured the catch, extending the drive.
- Unconventional Timing: The decision to run a fake punt from deep in their own territory was highly unconventional and caught the opponent off guard.
- Punter’s Poise: The punter showed remarkable composure and accuracy under pressure.
- Receiver’s Route: The gunner ran a precise route, making himself available for the pass.
This play was a huge gamble that paid off handsomely, leading to a scoring drive that brought the team back into the game. It highlighted the importance of having versatile athletes on special teams who can execute complex plays, and the courage of coaching staff to call them. Such moments of strategic brilliance often go unnoticed in the broader narrative of a season, but they are integral to a team’s success.
The Long Snapper’s Unsung Heroics: A Perfect Snap Under Pressure
While not as visually spectacular as a blocked punt or a return touchdown, the consistent, flawless execution of a long snapper is absolutely vital and often completely taken for granted. In the 2024 season, one specific long snapper’s performance under immense pressure in a game-winning field goal attempt deserves significant recognition.
This moment occurred in Week 17, with playoff implications on the line. The game was tied, and the kicker was lining up for a 50-yard field goal as time expired. The conditions were brutal: driving rain and swirling winds. In such circumstances, a perfect snap is paramount, as even a slight wobble or delay can throw off the holder and kicker.
The Foundation of Special Teams Success
The long snapper delivered an absolutely perfect spiral, right into the holder’s hands, allowing for a seamless operation. The ball was placed, the kick was made, and it sailed through the uprights for the win. Without that precise snap, the kick would likely have been rushed, blocked, or simply missed.
- Consistent Accuracy: The long snapper maintained perfect accuracy despite adverse weather.
- Velocity and Rotation: The snap had ideal velocity and rotation, ensuring a stable hold for the kicker.
- Mental Fortitude: Performing flawlessly under the highest pressure is a testament to the snapper’s mental toughness.
This play exemplifies how special teams success is often built on the quiet, consistent excellence of players in highly specialized roles. The long snapper’s contribution, though rarely celebrated, was as crucial to that game-winning field goal as the kicker’s leg. It’s a prime example of an underrated highlight because it’s a foundational element that enables the more visible heroics.
The reliability and precision of a long snapper are the bedrock upon which successful field goal and punt units are built. This specific instance highlights how a seemingly mundane action, executed perfectly under pressure, can be the difference between victory and defeat. It serves as a powerful reminder that every player, regardless of role, contributes to the game’s ultimate outcome.
| Key Highlight | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Blocked Punt | Momentum-shifting play leading to a critical go-ahead touchdown in a close game. |
| Unexpected Onside Kick | Surprise recovery late in the game, enabling a dramatic comeback drive. |
| Punt Return TD | Elusive returner combined with perfect blocking for a game-energizing score. |
| Perfect Long Snap | Flawless execution under pressure enabling a game-winning field goal in adverse conditions. |
Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Special Teams
Special teams plays often occur less frequently than offensive or defensive snaps, and their impact, while crucial, can be subtle. Media coverage tends to prioritize touchdowns, sacks, and interceptions, leading to less spotlight for the nuanced excellence of special teams units.
A blocked punt dramatically shifts field position, often giving the blocking team possession deep in opponent territory. This typically leads to easy scoring opportunities, providing an immediate and significant swing in momentum and points, which can be game-changing.
The long snapper’s role is absolutely critical. A perfect snap ensures the holder can quickly and cleanly place the ball, allowing the kicker to maintain rhythm and focus. Any imperfection can disrupt the timing, leading to a missed or blocked kick, especially under pressure.
Successful onside kicks rely on surprise, precise kicking technique to create a favorable bounce, and immediate pursuit by the kicking team. The element of surprise prevents the receiving team from setting up properly, while perfect placement gives the kicking team the best chance to recover.
Many special teams players are specialists, like kickers, punters, and long snappers. However, units also include versatile athletes, often backups from offensive or defensive positions, who possess speed, strength, and a high football IQ, making them effective in various special teams roles.
Conclusion
As the 2024 NFL regular season fades into memory, it’s essential to look beyond the obvious highlights and appreciate the often-overlooked brilliance of special teams. From game-altering blocked punts and daring onside kicks to mesmerizing punt returns and the unsung precision of long snappers, these moments underscore the multifaceted nature of football. Special teams units consistently deliver plays that are not only exciting but also critical to a team’s success, proving that every facet of the game, no matter how small, contributes to the grand narrative of victory and defeat. Recognizing these underrated highlights enriches our appreciation for the strategic depth and athletic prowess present in every NFL contest.
