With an offense that is much-improved but was shaky early in the season, the Miami Dolphins' kicking game has had plenty of exposure, and it has risen to the challenge. In fact, Miami's special teams has been solid all season, and the Dolphins (4-8) look to continue that success against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles (4-8).
Punter Brandon Fields is third in the league in punt-yard average at nearly 50 yards a boot, and he is tied for the lead in punts placed inside the 20-yard line with 25.
Punter Brandon Fields is third in the league in punt-yard average at nearly 50 yards a boot, and he is tied for the lead in punts placed inside the 20-yard line with 25.
Kicker Dan Carpenter, aside from being 7-for-8 between 40 and 49 yards on field goals, has flourished in the kickoff department. Carpenter is fifth in the league in touchback percentage at nearly 60 percent, and among kickers with at least 40 kickoffs, he and his squad rank seventh in average opponent return yards with just over 22. All seven of Carpenter’s kickoffs against the Raiders last week were touchbacks.
“Starting on the 35-yard line as opposed to starting on the 20-yard line is two more first downs in the game, several more opportunities or fewer opportunities whichever way you want to look at it from a defense standpoint,” coach Tony Sparano told reporters Friday. “I just think it creates field position and the way our defense has been playing it helps the offense gain field position.”
On the other side of the ball, Clyde Gates, Miami’s fourth-round rookie out of Abilene Christian, has been solid as well for the ‘Phins this year in the return game. He ranks in the top 10 in total kick returns and 14th in returns of 20+ yards. Gates’s only return against Oakland last week resulted in a 77-yard gain.
“He’s starting to hit things faster. He’s starting to see things clearer,” Sparano said Friday. “Clyde (Gates) is the returner, but 10 other people are working their tails off to help him get to where he needs to be. Right now our players in that phase of that game understand that’s a possible big play for us.”
Conversely, The Eagles enter this week’s game with the sixth worst kickoff return average and the fourth worst punt return average. In fact, in 31 kick returns, Philadelphia have yet to cross the 35-yard line.
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