Patriots 2021 Position Preview: Special teams should dominate again

Author Alex Barth

July 23rd, 2021 5:00 AM

While the Patriots had their faults last season, there were few if any to be found on their special teams unit. In just about every aspect of the kicking game, the Patriots were one of if not the best team in the league.

The highlight of the group was both punt units, kicking and returning. Jake Bailey was named a first-team All-Pro in just his second NFL season. He led the league with a net average of 45.6 yards per punt, with a league-best 56 percent of his punts being downed inside the 20. In 55 punts, he has 31 I-20s and just five touchbacks. 

Bailey also put up strong numbers on kickoffs, allowing just 21.5 yards per return. Of course, both on punts and kickoffs, he was supported by an outstanding coverage team led by Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel and Cody Davis, all of whom return in 2021. The team will also get special teams ace Brandon Bolden back from his opt-out. Long snapper Joe Cardona also played a key role, and faces no internal competition in camp this year.

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  When it comes to punt returns, the Patriots featured yet another first-team All-Pro in Gunner Olszewski. Also a second-year player, Olszewski led the league with 17.3 yards per punt return. That was almost six more yards per return than the next closest qualified player, and two yards more return than the Patriots’ previous franchise record.
  
  On the field goal unit, Nick Folk had a career-year at the age of 36 despite not signing until August. He finished 26-of-28 on field goals, and didn’t miss after Week 2. None of his kicks were blocked.
  
  However, kicker is one of the few spots where there could potentially be some competition. Yes, Folk was great last year, but kicking is a fickle business, and he’s hardly a long-term option. The Patriots’ lone UDFA, Michigan’s Quinn Nordin, is a long-shot for the job, but there’s a reason he’s in camp.
  
  Bob Socci wrote a great profile on Nordin back in June, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the 22-year-old. He has a monster leg, but accuracy has been a problem as he hit just 72.4 percent of his field goal attempts over his four-year college career.

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  Ideally, Nordin is a practice squad candidate who the team can work with during the year without throwing him into game action, then give him a real shot at the job next summer. But if he proves to be a quick learner and succeeds in the preseason, he could force the Patriots’ hand to promote him early.
  
  The other spot the Patriots need to figure out is their kick returner. Olszewski is seemingly a logical fit, but he just didn’t have the same kind of pop last year returning kicks as he did returning punts. Kyle Dugger and J.J. Taylor also got opportunities as returners last year, although neither stood out.
  
  While all three of those players should get a shot to compete for the spot in camp, the guy to really watch is second-year receiver Isaiah Zuber. Zuber has experience returning kicks from his time in college, and showed in his minimal playing time last year how shifty he can be in the open field. With N’Keal Harry seemingly on his way out, there’s a clear path to the roster for Zuber, who could solidify his place with a strong showing as a returner this summer.

Patriots 2021 Positional Previews: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Offensive Line | Defensive Line | Linebacker | Cornerback | Safety

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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Author Alex Barth

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Alex Barth,brandon bolden,cody davis,gunner olszewski,jake bailey,joe cardona,Justin Bethel,Matt Slater,Matthew Slater,New England Patriots,NFL,Nick Folk,patriots,patriots training camp,Quinn Nordin