Eagles special teams unit honored on a Football Outsiders list
Recently, FootballOutsiders.com listed multiple Eagles special teams units as some of the best in the last 30 years.
Over the last couple of years the Philadelphia Eagles have struggled on both sides of the ball. It ‘s no secret that the team’s needed to improve in multiple areas over the last few seasons. One thing’s for sure though. The special-teams unit has been dominant. From Donnie ‘long ball’ Jones stellar punting, to Darren Sproles’ multiple punt return touchdowns, the Philadelphia special teams units have been, well you know, special.
FootballOutsiders.com put together a list to identify the 30 best special-teams units over the last 30 years. Philadelphia had not one, not two, but three mentions on the list. Two of them being in recent seasons. Lets take a trip down memory lane and look at how special the Eagles have been in the last 30 years.
The 2016 special teams (Ranked 24th)
Last season was a strange one. They started off hot at 3-0 record behind a rookie quarterback and head coach. After that, they went on to lose nine games over the remainder of the season, ending with a 7-9 record. The offense and defense may have been shaky at times, but the special-teams unit showed flashes and gave their teammates hope.
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Multiple kick return touchdowns in close games help make the case. Lets not forget about the three blocks as well. All occurred in crucial situations. Sproles was awarded with pro-bowl honors as a return man for the third time in his career after gaining 224 yards off 17 returns in 2016.
The 2014 special teams unit (Ranked 18th)
The 2014 season was a disappointing one in Philly. Despite going 10-6, the Eagles ended up missing the playoffs. Looking back, that season was the start of the special-teams dominance. Sproles ended up taking two punt returns to “the house” and netting 506 return yards. He was honored with a pro bowl nod for the second time in his career. Former Eagles, Chris Polk and Josh Huff each took a kick back that year as well.
The most impressive stat came from the guys up front. The Eagles ended that season with six total blocks on special teams. This was the second season with Dave Fipp as the special-teams coach. Heading into his fifth year, the Eagles are expected to continue with their special teams success.
The 2001 special teams (Raked 9th)
What a time to be an Eagles fan. The Eagles were dominant in all aspects of the game in the early 2000’s. The offense and defense may have been the focal point of the teams success, but the special teams held up on their end as well. Fan favorite, David Akers was the face of the special teams in the Andy Reid era. 2001 was the first season Akers was named first-team all-pro in his career.
He made 83.9 percent of his field-goals, nailing two out of his three attempted 50+ yard field-goals. Veteran returner, Brian Mitchell had a very impressive season as an Eagle in 2001. He produced 1,025 yards, and one touchdown on 41 attempts. He averaged 25 yards per return and was a huge contributor on offense.
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As Darren Sproles heads into his final season as the Eagles return man, the Eagles have already started working on his replacement to keep up the special teams success. They Donnell Pumprhrey will make an easy transition. They also made sure to lock up safety and special teams leader Chris Maragos to a three-year extension in the middle of last season. The future looks bright for the Eagles, and the special teams will continue to shine for sure in 2017.