State of the Browns: Special Teams

Editor's note: No Logo Needed is addressing the different areas of the Browns offense, defense and special teams by looking back on the 2009 season and looking ahead to the 2010 offseason and beyond. Areas that have already been address are running backs, offensive line, quarterbacks, wide receivers and linebackers.

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer    

Since the Browns returned in 1999, special teams has been the one area that hasn't been an embarrassment. In 2009, the unit played solid, but that didn't come without drama. Would it be like the Browns if it came easy? Looking toward next year a consistently productive group could be in shambles because of financial issues.

2009 Roster

Phil Dawson - B
After missing five games early in the season, Dawson came back and was solid down the stretch going 17 of 19 for the season on field goals. Dawson has always been an accurate kicker, but distance has never been his specialty. Nothing changed this year as his only two misses were more than 40 yards.

Reggie Hodges - C
Hodges was signed when punter Dave Zastudil went down for the season with injury. Hodges punted 45 times for the Browns for an average of 39.8 yards per kick with 15 landing inside the 20-yard line. Not much to say other than he did his job and was a serviceable fill in. (We would like to see more effort when live balls are laying in your end zone.)

Dave Zastudil - B
After playing the first eight games of the season, Zastudil went down with a right knee injury that cost him the second half of 2009. Before his injury, he was enjoying a stellar 2009. Zastudil was averaging 44.7 yards per punt with 25 of his 49 punts landing inside the 20-yard line.

Josh Cribbs - A+
When it comes to special teams, I don't think there is a better player in the NFL. Cribbs can change the game in so many ways. In 2009, he broke the NFL career kick off return touchdown record and doesn't look like he is slowing down anytime soon. He not only had three kickoff return touchdowns, but also added a punt return touchdown.

2009 Summary

Overall, the Browns special teams played well. Their kick and punt coverage was consistent and helped the team maintain field position. Cribbs is obviously the star of this unit. Unfortunately the 2009 season may be his last in Cleveland.

Off Season Goals

Zastudil just needs to get healthy, which shouldn't be a problem. Then, the Browns need to make some decisions about the future with Dawson and Cribbs. Both are unhappy with their contracts. A decision has to be made whether or not they should be given more money or shown the door. The debate among fans rages on.

Best Case Scenario

The Browns sign Cribbs and keep him happy with a raise and an incentive-laden contract. Dawson sucks it up and doesn't rock the boat about pay. If Dawson does, the Browns look at the kickers coming out of college this year. Michigan State's Brett Swenson and Alabama's Leigh Tiffin are the top two rated kickers, according to Scout.com.

  January 28, 2010 at 7:27 AM

Comments

The CZAR watches and listens intently but remains silent.

What thinketh the CZAR?

When will the CZAR reveal the truths he has uncovered to the assembled masses?

Long live the CZAR!

  January 28, 2010 at 9:59 AM by frederick j blacknight

Post a comment

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comments: