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Dallas Cowboys: Why Special Teams Will Improve in 2017

By Daniel Ruppert

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter as punter Chris Jones (6) holds in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter as punter Chris Jones (6) holds in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys have some special players who make special plays. Have the special teams gotten better this offseason?

If you have followed me over the years, you would know that I respect special teams and love talk about the Dallas Cowboys special teams. It is one of the least talked about part of an NFL team, but one of the most vital.

How many times have we watched a kicker win a game? How many times have you seen a highlight of a kickoff returner or punt returner taking one to the house? What about recovered onside kicks or fumbles on special teams?

Special teams can decide a game, both a win or a loss.

Last season there looked to be hope in the return game when Lucky Whitehead took the opening kickoff in preseason in for a touchdown. Sadly, it was the only time all season Whitehead returned one all the way.

There were a few times the returners were able to flip the field, but not much in terms of scoring. This season, there is probably going to be a new returner with the drafting of Ryan Switzer. There is high hope he can be a dynamic returner the Dallas Cowboys have been lacking.

Related Story: How the Cowboys will use Ryan Switzer in 2017

We all know what we have in Dan Bailey and Chris Jones. Both have been some of the best in the NFL for a while now. The most unheralded player on special teams has been L.P. LaDouceur as the long snapper. While L.P. has been around thirteen years, not hearing his name in game is one of the best things you can ask for in a long snapper. I’m not sure how much longer he will play, but I cringe thinking of having to replace him.

While all of these players mentioned above are the names many fans will recognize and look for on the field, it’s the rest of the special teams that could make a huge difference. Most teams use rookies, backups and third stringers on special teams. This means that unless a player makes a tackle or recovers the football, most people don’t know who makes up the special teams.

This season, with a ton of rookies on defense, it is expected that some will also play on special teams. This is actually a great thing for the Dallas Cowboys. While inexperience may hurt a little, special teams is a unique animal in the NFL. The idea of run as fast as you can and hit someone is pretty universal, no matter the level of player.

The Dallas Cowboys have added speed this offseason. They have also added some depth along the defensive line as well as linebacking corps, which means many of them will also be on special teams. With all of the talk of how great the offense is and will be, and the hope of a much improved defense, very little has been said about how all of this will impact the special teams.

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Even if Ryan Switzer is the main return guy, the players blocking for him might be more important. With the length, speed, and size the Dallas Cowboys grabbed this offseason, the special teams’ blockers could be much improved. It wasn’t like the Dallas Cowboys had a bad special teams last season, but making it better could be a huge boon with a harder schedule this season.

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Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Xavier Woods, Marquez White, Joey Ivie, and even Jordan Carroll could all play huge roles on special teams.

Whether they play as a gunner or along the line there should be a huge upgrade this season.

Several of the undrafted free agents who make the team as depth players could contribute to the special teams revamp.

Sure, Dan Bailey will continue to be a lock on kicks. Chris Jones will still flip the field when he punts.

And L.P. LaDouceur will be, well, unheard of and rock steady.

Ryan Switzer can’t be any less impactful than Lucky Whitehead. But, the big changes could be where many fans don’t notice. The gunners could be faster, the linemen could be stronger, and the tacklers could hit harder.

Next: Dallas Cowboys offseason winners and losers

So while everyone is talking about the defense and offense, make sure to keep an eye on the Dallas Cowboys’ special teams, they could be bigger than anyone thinks.

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