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The Eagles’ Special Teams: The NFL’s Most Overlooked Unit

By Brandon Thornton

Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles free safety Chris Maragos (42) celebrates with defensive end Steven Means (51) after recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff by Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles free safety Chris Maragos (42) celebrates with defensive end Steven Means (51) after recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff by Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Eagles are putting the word “special” in special teams.

When Doug Pederson was hired as the 23rd head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles , he was also assigned the task of putting together his coaching staff. He decided to keep some of the assistants from the previous regime including running backs coach Duce Staley. Another assistant that was kept had a much more prominent role. That would be Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp.

Being brought on with Chip Kelly, Fipp replaced Bobby April in 2013. Since that time, Fipp has been the leader of the most underrated and under-appreciated unit in the entire NFL. While the unit was much improved in his debut season, it was in 2014, that the Special Teams unit began to really start making some noise.

That season, Fipp’s unit accounted for seven touchdowns (three blocked punt returns, two kickoff returns and two punt returns) and six blocked punts/kicks. Last season, fans would see them become a top five unit once again. Their most memorable performance would come in a shocking defeat of the New England Patriots in Foxboro. That day, Chris Maragos blocked a punt that was scooped up by Najee Goode and taken in for a touchdown. Darren Sproles would also take a punt to the house.

Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) returns a punt to score a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) returns a punt to score a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

So with accomplishments like this on the résumé of both Fipp and his unit, how have they gone unnoticed? Well, it’s simple. Special Teams isn’t viewed on equal footing with the other two phases of the game (offense and defense).

Some may disagree with that statement’s validity. Still, it’s obvious that pecial teams players aren’t taken in the first round, aren’t signed for big money and typically aren’t given the same amount of respect. That’s why former Buffalo Bill Steve Tasker, who is almost universally considered to be the best Special Teams player in league history, still hasn’t been enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame.

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Fantasy football owners are starting to notice of this unit due to its’ ability to put up points. Thursday’s preseason game saw them force and recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. That would ultimately lead to the first touchdown of the entire pre-season. It appears the Eagles are back to business as usual.

Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The Philadelphia Eagles celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The Philadelphia Eagles celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

But this apparent Rodney Dangerfield level of disrespect doesn’t affect the special teams stalwarts such as the aforementioned Maragos and Goode or guys like Bryan Braman and Trey Burton. They’re still the same lovable lunatics, most of which will make the roster due to their ability to make plays. They’ll be needed to free up space for guys like Sproles so he can do what he does best in the return game.

Don’t forget about long-time long snapper (and magician extraordinaire) Jon Dorenbos who is widely considered to be one of, if not the best, long-snapper in the league. While expectations for the offense and defense this upcoming year has been a major topic of discussion, one thing that can’t be denied is the reliability of Fipp’s special teams unit. This year you may see the value of their contribution more than ever before.

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