Truly Special Teams

[Kiwon]

The punting and coverage yesterday was excellent. Some of the best that I can recall in several years. When done well it can change a game and that was evident yesterday.

However, I was glad that Chicago did not try an on-sides kick though.

It's mildly interesting that TT cast-off Jeremy Kapinos is punting for the Steelers but how much you want to bet that ESPN will do a feature with Kapinos on how he feels going into the big game. Too many analysts with too many hours to fill. Puke.

[vince]

Kapinos was pretty bitter when McCarthy called him out after the season mentioning in an interview that the punting needed to improve. It was an obvious comment by McCarthy, but I remember Kapinos being real sensitive about it, barking back and shifting blame to the coverage unit.

Here's a link.

It's obvious how much better Masthay has been than Kapinos in GB, particularly in the second half of the season, but I was interested to see if Kapinos had improved and/or whether there was any merit to his arguments.

Here are the numbers from this year. Obviously 14 punts isn't a lot to go on, but Kapinos has improved his Inside the 20 percentage from last year, which was a problem when he was in Green Bay. I can't find hangtime stats, but his net average has been consistently poor across teams, so it's probably safe to say Kapinos' weak leg is the primary cause.

Player	Punts	Avg	Rank	Net	Rank	i20 %	Rank
Masthay	71	43.9	13	37.6	19	35.21%	 14 
Kapinos	14	41.1	32	32.3	36	35.71%	 13

Long story short, Kapinos isn't much of a story even for Super Bowl week. He's still a below average punter at best filling in for the injured guy who'll probably replace him when he's healthy again.

[mmmdk]

)

as soon as you admit MM is an outstanding NFL coach and one of the top five in the NFL
then we'll think about geting behind you in line

...I just took heed of your ranking too, here on PR, of McCarthy a little while ago; I believe you had Stubby around middle of the pack (# 15 or so)? Still not all that shabby...for a game day head coach but I really liked that Rat poster (think it was 'mission') that said "McCarthy is the best NFL head coach from monday till saturday". I truely believe the latter now. Or at least on par with hoody [from monday till saturday]. Game day...hmm, a lot to prove & thank goodness for Packers defense I'd say!

[Packers4Glory]

I gotta say I'm excited about Masthay's development this season. I guess because its been awhile since we had a decent punter, but he seems to growing into the job and up right before our eyes. As the stakes got higher and higher his game got better and better. Compare that in contrast to the Jets punter who supposedly had a nice season only to choke come the playoffs.

I've seen the bears win a lot of games because of Maynard's punting ability over the years. I'm really really impressed w/ Masthay.

[Bub]

I'm not ready to say the special teams are solid yet. Our punting game has improved but didn't the Pack just give up a 102 yard return last week? When is the last time we had a return for a score? Heck, it's been a while since we've started on the 40 or better after a kick off?

[denverYooper]

I'm not ready to say the special teams are solid yet. Our punting game has improved but didn't the Pack just give up a 102 yard return last week? When is the last time we had a return for a score? Heck, it's been a while since we've started on the 40 or better after a kick off?

Tramon will take a punt to the house in the SB.

[MichiganPackerFan]

I see your Hester and raise you Masthay : D

[Little Whiskey]

Masthay/coverage team neutralized Hester. that alone should bring kudos to the Special teams.

[TravisWilliams23]

There's more to special teams than just punt coverage.

When was the last time the Packers blocked a punt or field goal attempt?

It would sure be nice to have a Desmond Howard type returner to scare the hell out of the opposition on every punt or kickoff.

Lot's of room for improvement but it does look like the punting department has been corrected.

[Tony Oday]

Slocum sucks

[mmmdk]

Tramon will take a punt to the house in the SB.

My Packer crystal ball vision showed me BJ Raji ramming Wrathlisburger into the turf and Hawk picking up his fumble for the easy six! Game Over!

[denverYooper]

My Packer crystal ball vision showed me BJ Raji ramming Wrathlisburger into the turf and Hawk picking up his fumble for the easy six! Game Over!

Interesting. I had a vision of Woodson running with the ball by a whole bunch of Steelers and scoring.

Looks like they'll score 21 without the offense even needing to do anything.

[Little Whiskey]

There's more to special teams than just punt coverage.

When was the last time the Packers blocked a punt or field goal attempt?

It would sure be nice to have a Desmond Howard type returner to scare the hell out of the opposition on every punt or kickoff.

Lot's of room for improvement but it does look like the punting department has been corrected.

if the packers defense shut down manning but never had an interception or sack would you say they were succesful?

[Joemailman]

My Packer crystal ball vision showed me BJ Raji ramming Wrathlisburger into the turf and Hawk picking up his fumble for the easy six! Game Over!

How about Hawk making the tackle and Raji scoring the touchdown. More entertaining!

[mmmdk]

How about Hawk making the tackle and Raji scoring the touchdown. More entertaining!

That happens too!