Just when you thought the football season held no more surprises, the Miami Dolphins threw us a curveball with their late-season struggles, and fingers are now being pointed at the special teams unit as a significant part of their woes. The tale of their season is a reminder of how crucial every component of a football team is, from the star quarterback to the special teams, which often doesn’t grab the headlines but can decidedly impact the game’s outcome.
The Dolphins’ special teams unit came under harsh scrutiny following a couple of high-impact plays that shifted games against them. In Week 17, Deonte Harty of the Buffalo Bills bolted down the field for a breathtaking 96-yard punt return touchdown.
The very next week, Justice Hill of the Baltimore Ravens found a seam and zoomed 78 yards off a kickoff return. These moments not only electrified fans but also highlighted a glaring vulnerability in the Dolphins’ armor.
It came as no surprise when the Dolphins were ranked No. 31 in special teams as 2023 drew to a close. Such a ranking screams for improvement, and Danny Crossman, the architect behind the team’s special teams, has a plan.
His strategy involves bringing in fresh blood, epitomized by his move to acquire former Buffalo Bill, Siran Neal. Neal, known for his special teams prowess, was released by the Bills in March, and Crossman, with whom Neal has previously worked, saw an opportunity to bolster his unit.
Neal’s respect for Crossman is palpable. He speaks highly of Crossman’s enthusiasm for the game and his unwavering commitment, qualities that inspire players to give their all.
Neal’s readiness to “fight for him” on the field is a testament to the effective player-coach relationships Crossman has nurtured since joining the Dolphins in 2019. These relationships, paired with his passion and extensive coaching experience, form the backbone of his approach to turning the special teams unit around.
Crossman’s passion for special teams is contagious, and Neal can’t help but echo his sentiments on the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of football. Neal believes that special teams play can be the difference-maker in NFL games, emphasizing that while they might not always make the highlights, their impact can certainly sway the outcome of a game.
As the Dolphins look to recover and build from their late-season collapse, the focus on revitalizing their special teams underlines a universal truth in the NFL: every play counts, and success requires a full team effort, from star players to special teams. With Crossman at the helm and Neal ready to lead by example on the field, there’s a sense of optimism that this crucial aspect of the Dolphins’ play is headed for better days.
