"He doesn't play on special teams." (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Every year around this time teams are getting ready to cut mass quantities of players. One of the deciding factors in some cases is whether the guy plays on special teams or not. Why is it that some players don't play on special teams?

They're good at another position and the coaches don't want them to get hurt.

They're veterans who have 'earned' their way out of it.

Those reasons I understand. But for younger players, the ones who might or might not grab one of the last roster spots, why do only some of them play on special teams?

They're no good at it?

The coaches haven't tried them at it?

They've asked not to do it?

Other reason?

 

[RC94]

I am sure it depends on the specific player, but I think for a lot of them it's because they aren't good at it. Also, I would not be surprised if some players don't want to do it. Just because they are young and fighting for a roster spot doesn't mean they want it so bad they are willing to change their attitude and do whatever it takes to make the team. Some guys, no matter how young and unproven they are, need an attitude adjustment and some don't ever try to change.

 

[Stitch]

Every year around this time teams are getting ready to cut mass quantities of players. One of the deciding factors in some cases is whether the guy plays on special teams or not. Why is it that some players don't play on special teams?They're good at another position and the coaches don't want them to get hurt.They're veterans who have 'earned' their way out of it.Those reasons I understand. But for younger players, the ones who might or might not grab one of the last roster spots, why do only some of them play on special teams?They're no good at it?The coaches haven't tried them at it?They've asked not to do it?Other reason?

You're hoping the 'Skins keep Marcus Mason too aren't you? Well, I'm with ya bud!!

 

[fatness]

You're hoping the 'Skins keep Marcus Mason too aren't you? Well, I'm with ya bud!!

Listening to talk about him is why I started the thread. I've heard "He doesn't play special teams" connected with Mason all week.OK, why doesn't he? It's never explained.

 

[jon_mx]

I think it takes a special mentality to play special teams. If you are not going balls out trying to make a play, the coaches probably don't want you out there. It probably makes younger players more likely to get cut if they are not putting out that extra effort on special teams. Of course some smaller players like WR may not be the most suitable for special teams.

 

[rzrback77]

There are a host of reasons why players don't play special teams...

1) Discipline to stay in your place and make correct decisions would probably be high on the list. Definitely takes different instincts that just running the ball.

2) Timidity- might not seem an appropriate label for a guy constantly getting hit, but getting hit is different than hitting

3) Knowledge - I bet there are some players that just can't comprehend the assignments

 

[switz]

Every year around this time teams are getting ready to cut mass quantities of players. One of the deciding factors in some cases is whether the guy plays on special teams or not. Why is it that some players don't play on special teams?

They're good at another position and the coaches don't want them to get hurt.

They're veterans who have 'earned' their way out of it.

Those reasons I understand. But for younger players, the ones who might or might not grab one of the last roster spots, why do only some of them play on special teams?

They're no good at it?

The coaches haven't tried them at it?

They've asked not to do it?

Other reason?

Bingo.Most young players are tried at Special Teams... some refuse, some just suck.

 

[dgreen]

You're hoping the 'Skins keep Marcus Mason too aren't you? Well, I'm with ya bud!!

Listening to talk about him is why I started the thread. I've heard "He doesn't play special teams" connected with Mason all week.OK, why doesn't he? It's never explained.

With Mason, so far, it's just that he's not good at it. He's been on the field for ST plays, so it's not that they haven't tried him there or that he's refusing.He's a RB with natural running skills. He could probably be a decent KR. But, his natural running abilities don't help at all when he's running full speed to cover a punt and has to make a tackle.

 

[Wadsworth]

A lot of these guys have almost no experience at SP. Some of the offensive players might not have made a tackle since high school. So while you'd have to expect that most players on the bubble would be willing, they just might not be any good at it. It's like the college superstar RB that gets in the league having very limited experience at pass blocking. He might be willing, but just has little experience or knowledge of how to to it because he was never expected to in college. If he's a good enough runner, they'll take some time to teach him how to pick up a blitz, a lot of these bubble rookies won't be afforded the same opportunity.