Kicker/Punter - Two Special Teams

The kicker and the punter are both a part of the special teams, and in most cases, they usually provide a big play. But did you know that special teams can be divided into two categories? Do you know what they are?

Change of Possession
Many times coaches will use players who aren't starters for these plays. By putting these players on the field, the coaches can test them in a way to see how tough and smart they are, and how they interact with the other players. Because "change of possession" plays usually are pretty rough - a lot of collisions and tackles -- coaches can really see if these players can take the heat.

Play for Points
Unlike the change of possession, coaches are more likely to use players who are regular starters on offense and defense for these plays. What's different about these plays is that they involve field goals and extra points, rather than punts and kickoffs. But there is one player who is very important for these plays. Can you guess who? The place kicker.

Up to the Challenge?
Baltimore Raven Matt Stover walked away from the 2000 season with the most field goals made - 35. Which two players followed him in second and third place?

a. Martin Gramatica (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Al Del Greco (Tennessee Titans)
b. Olindo Mare (Miami Dolphins) and David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles)
c. Joe Nedney (Tennessee Titans) and Ryan Longwell (Green Bay Packers)

Answer: Joe Nedney came in second with 34 field goals, and Ryan Longwell came in third with 33 field goals.

NFL kickers have gotten much stronger over the past few years, and a lot of kicks were going into the end zone and not being returned. So in 1994, the NFL moved the kickoff line from the 35 yard-line to the 30.