The Arizona Cardinals ended up missing the playoffs in part because of missed field goals by Zane Gonzalez, and some mistakes on special teams were a reason why they lost to the New England Patriots.
However, the Cardinals had a very good special teams unit overall, according to Rich Gosselin’s yearly rankings for SI.com.
The Cardinals ranked 10th overall.
They ranked fifth in kickoff coverage, giving up only 19.5 yards per return. They had the league’s best opponent start rate. Opponents began their drives at the 23.3.
The Cardinals were actually No. 1 in one category — special teams takeaways. They forced special teams turnovers (fumbles on punt or kick returns) three times. They also had the fifth-fewest special teams penalties.
Things could change in 2021. Their punter and kickers from last year will be free agents. Their top special teams players — Trent Sherfield, Dennis Gardeck, Zeke Turner, D.J. Foster, Darrell Daniels, Tanner Vallejo — all will be free agents.
Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers has done a great job turning around this unit. He will show his coaching prowess by taking the next group of players and doing the same.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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