Now with the fair catch rule, the NFL hopes to reduce kickoff returns to about 30 percent. In 2016, the NFL moved touchbacks from the 20 to the 25-yard line, which reduced kickoff returns to its current 36-39 percent clip. In 2011, the kickoff line was moved from the 30 to the 35, decreasing returns from 80 percent to 53 percent in just one year. The fair catch rule is only the latest change to reduce kickoff returns. In 2022, that number was practically cut in half, to 116. In 2002, an average NFL game saw approximately 230 special teams return yards. The Patriots have had one of the worst receiving units in the NFL while using more roster spots on special teams-only players than any other team.Īnd beefing up on special teams is likely misguided in today’s NFL. The Patriots also essentially have two special teams coordinators - Cameron Achord and Joe Judge, who was their special teams coordinator from 2015-19, scouted special teams before the draft, and has been taking a lead role with the punt and kickoff units during offseason practices.īut the Patriots’ investments in special teams come at the expense of depth on defense and especially offense, which ranks 22nd in touchdowns scored in the three seasons since Tom Brady left. Sixth-round receiver Demario Douglas has added value as an “excellent” punt returner, per the NFC coach, and seventh-round cornerback Ameer Speed “was by far our best jammer on the punt team,” said Michigan State special teams coach Ross Els. Ryland was taken in the fourth round by New England. The Patriots traded up to take kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round, and they took punter Bryce Baringer in the sixth. Scouts from other teams expect third-rounder Marte Mapu to be a key special teamer while he develops as a safety and linebacker. The Patriots brought Slater back for his 16th year, to go with veterans Cody Davis, Brenden Schooler, Raleigh Webb, and DaMarcus Mitchell, the five of whom combined for 1,264 special teams snaps and 20 offense/defense snaps last year (though not all may make the team this year). Long snapper Joe Cardona got a four-year deal with a record $1 million signing bonus. Former Lion Chris Board, whom Belichick last year called “the best special teams player we’ll play against all year,” got two years and $6.7 million. The Patriots allowed the worst starting field position off kickoffs (27.9-yard line) and had the third-worst touchback percentage (36.5 percent).īelichick responded by going all-in on special teams. Geographic and device restrictions apply. Fans in New England can listen to the live 98.5 The Sports Hub radio game broadcast. The three kickoff-return touchdowns allowed were a franchise record and the first allowed by the Patriots since 2010. The New England Patriots official app opens unlimited features and content for every Patriots fan: LIVE game commentary, play-by-play statistics, scores, game highlights, the latest team news and much, much more.

The kickoff team was just as poor behind Bailey and veteran Nick Folk. The Patriots finished 32nd in the NFL in net punting and gross punting average, had a league-high 10 touchbacks, and had one punt blocked. When those go on sale, and how many they’ll receiver, is TBA.Their punt unit was horrid behind Jake Bailey, now with the Dolphins.

2023 season schedule, scores, stats, and highlights. Back in 2016, the Colts did not have their bye week immediately following their game in London.įor those curious on tickets for the game in Frankfurt, the Colts are expecting to receive a small amount of tickets to sell for the game (just like they had for the ’16 game in London). Get the latest news and information for the New England Patriots. That will become public on Thursday night when the team’s entire 2023 schedule is released. It remains to be seen if the Colts will have a bye week following this international game. The Colts currently have two European players on their roster in OT-Bernhard Raimann (Austria) and DB-Marcel Dabo (Germany). It’s a smaller venue with a reported capacity of 48,000 for American football. This game will be played in Frankfurt though, with two straight NFL games there-Dolphins and Chiefs in Week 9 and then Colts and Patriots in Week 10.ĭeutsche Bank Stadium will host the two NFL games.

Last season was the first time the NFL has played a game in Germany with the Bucs and Seahawks playing in Munich. This is a new experience for Germany and the NFL. They’ve also played three international preseason game in their history: Mexico City in 2000, Tokyo in 2005, Toronto in 2010. This is the Patriots home game, as the Colts were scheduled to play in Foxborough this season after both teams finished third in their respective divisions last season.īack in 2016, the Colts played internationally in London against the Jaguars.

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