Assessing the Raiders’ Special Teams Performance: Grades and Analysis for the 2023-24 Season
The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2023-24 season might not have ended with a Lombardi Trophy, but one unit consistently defied expectations – the special teams. This often-overlooked facet of the game thrived under the leadership of coach Phil Snow, earning a well-deserved top-five ranking in the NFL. Let’s delve into the specific performances that earned the Raiders special teams such high praise.
Punting Precision: Punter AJ Cole was the undisputed star of the show. After inheriting the starting job mid-season, Cole unleashed his booming leg, averaging an impressive 48.1 yards per punt (fifth-best in the league). His ability to pin opponents deep within their own territory was a game-changer, flipping field position in critical moments and giving the Raiders’ defense a valuable breather. Cole’s consistency also shone through, with only three punts landing inside the 20-yard line throughout the season.
Field Goal Finesse: Kicker Daniel Carlson cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable sharpshooters. He converted a remarkable 92.3% of his field goal attempts, ranking third in the league and surpassing his already impressive 87.1% success rate from the previous season. Carlson’s clutch performance was particularly evident in close games, where he calmly nailed pressure kicks, including a game-winning 52-yarder against the Denver Broncos in Week 11.
Return Renaissance: While not quite reaching the electrifying heights of previous seasons, the Raiders’ return game still showed flashes of brilliance. Wide receiver De’Vante Adams proved his versatility by adding punt return duties to his already impressive repertoire. His shifty moves and electrifying speed often provided a spark, with his longest return being a 38-yard scamper that set up a crucial touchdown in a tight win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Running back Ameer Abdullah also proved reliable on kickoff returns, consistently averaging over 22 yards per return and providing the offense with good starting field position.
Coverage Contenders: The Raiders’ special teams unit wasn’t just about putting points on the board; they also excelled in preventing them. The coverage units, led by veteran linebacker Jayon Brown and safety Duron Harmon, consistently limited opposing returners, allowing only one punt return touchdown throughout the entire season. Their aggressive tackling and disciplined positioning stifled potential big plays and forced opponents to start drives deep in their own territory.
Looking Ahead: With key pieces like Cole, Carlson, and Adams returning in 2024, the future of the Raiders’ special teams looks bright. Continued development of young returners like cornerback Tre’von Moehrig and linebacker Malcolm Koonce could add even more explosiveness to the unit. Coach Snow’s emphasis on discipline and fundamentals will undoubtedly remain the foundation of their success.
While the Raiders might not have reached the ultimate prize in 2023-24, their special teams unit was a beacon of consistency and excellence. AJ Cole’s booming punts, Daniel Carlson’s clutch kicks, and the team’s overall discipline and aggressiveness on both return and coverage teams proved to be a valuable asset, and one that is poised to play an even bigger role in their quest for a Super Bowl ring in the years to come.
