In praise of Larry Izzo and the Seahawks’ special teams turnaround

Particular groups was, to say the least, a little bit of a legal responsibility for at the least the ultimate three seasons of Brian Schneider’s tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

After Schneider left the group as a result of private causes firstly of the 2020 season, Larry Izzo was promoted to particular groups coordinator. Within the blink of an eye fixed, Seattle went from 20th in DVOA to 3rd, its highest rating because the 2015 season. Jason Myers had an ideal yr in subject purpose kicking, and Michael Dickson was twice named as NFC Particular Groups Participant of the Week. Too dangerous Dickson was snubbed in Pro Bowl voting.

Quick ahead to 2021, and even with Jason Myers’ very inconsistent kicking just about costing the Seahawks at the least two if not three video games this yr, Seattle still ranked 5th in DVOA, marking the primary time since 2012-2013 that the Seahawks have had consecutive top-5 particular groups models by Soccer Outsiders’ metric.

Whereas Myers’ yr was not significantly good, each different facet of Seattle’s particular groups had a web optimistic worth. Listed below are a number of the highlights from the 2021 season:

• Trenton Cannon’s double fumble within the Seahawks’ first win in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers, credited as pressured by DeeJay Dallas and recovered by Jon Rhattigan. This takeaway off the kickoff finally led to a landing off the quick subject.
• Within the rematch, Travis Benjamin was stripped by 2020 Professional Bowl choice Nick Bellore to open the 2nd half. Travis Homer (extra on him shortly) was there for the restoration and I suppose in a roundabout method, it earned them two factors after Gerald Everett took away 4-5 factors with an terrible drop turned interception.
• Albeit in a loss, Rasheem Inexperienced blocked a Joey Slye PAT after which scooped it up and returned it for a rating in opposition to the Washington Commanders. It was the one defensive two-point conversion of your complete season and saved the Seahawks within the contest till the very finish. I’d’ve added an onside kick restoration in right here too if not for an unlawful formation.
• Travis Homer returned a Jacksonville Jaguars onside kick for a landing, which is a rarity in itself and in addition doubled as the primary kick return rating for the Seahawks since Tyler Lockett on the finish of 2017.
• Towards the 49ers, Homer scored on a pretend punt landing rush of 73 yards, which comprised 22% of Seattle’s total offensive yardage for the sport.
• Homer additionally pressured a fumble off Arizona punter Andy Lee, which Cody Thompson recovered and arrange the Seahawks’ game-winning landing drive.
• Double punt.

I owe this team an apology.

Michael Dickson might have had a whole lot of alternatives to punt in 2021, however his proportion of kicks pinning opponents inside their 20 ranked 2nd this season. I’d argue that his previous two seasons are far superior to the one which bought him a first-team All-Professional choice as a rookie.

The protection models additionally shined tremendously. Seattle was among the many greatest in yards allowed per punt and kick returns, and take into account that key particular groups ace Ben Burr-Kirven was misplaced for the season in August.

In the event you may pinpoint apparent weaknesses in Seattle’s particular groups it’s the shortage of a very harmful returnman — Freddie Swain has definitely made some questionable honest catch selections and lacks the elusiveness and pace to be an amazing returner — however I query how for much longer this may have any viability within the sport as groups punt much less typically and the kickoff is below rising menace of extinction for participant security causes.

Clearly we will’t undergo this text with out mentioning the good work of longsnapper Tyler Ott, and the likes of Cody Barton and Nick Bellore have been precious heavy-hitters and fumble forcers each in punt and kick protection. Travis Homer may’ve had a legit case to be a Professional Bowler for his particular groups contributions in 2021.

The Seahawks had been as soon as one of many prime particular groups models firstly of Brian Schneider’s tenure, however even when Schneider himself didn’t step down it was in all probability time to maneuver on anyway given the poorer outcomes of his remaining few seasons. What Izzo has accomplished in his first two years as the principle coordinator is rattling spectacular and deserves extra consideration. We’ve seen how dangerous particular groups can break a sport and typically break your season when subsequent week isn’t assured.

Isn’t that proper, Green Bay?