The Schottey Six: Top NFL Special Teams for 2009

It's one-third of the game but the most overlooked.

Coaches who forget special teams usually get forgotten.

In today's edition of the "Schottey Six," we'll take a look at some of the best special teams units in the league.

We're focusing on primarily kicking, punting, (avg) and returning. Coverage units change from year to year, and with new wedge rules, it's really anybody's guess as to who will figure out things first.

(Smart money is on Scott O'Brien and the Patriots.)

6) Oakland Raiders

*Pictured: Sebastian Janikowski*

Oakland was really only elite in one thing last season—punting, where they led the league in average.

Normally, I would not highlight something so depressing about a team, but there is something more to their special teams—excellence.

Johnnie Lee Higgins led the league last year with five combined returning TDs. Although Oakland was only 17th in average return, that is a great accomplishment.

Expect an improved running game to equal more FGs for Janikowski and Higgins to continue to excel.

Eventually the rest of the team will catch up to the punter.

5) New York Giants

*Pictured: Ahmad Bradshaw*

Last year, the Giants were the best kicking team in the league—thanks in part to John Carney and the fountain of youth. With Lawrence Tynes taking over this year, I don't expect much of a drop-off.

Returning, the Giants just do it right.

Bradshaw was the man last year, but there is a good chance Danny Ware or Andre Brown will share some of those duties this season.

In the punting game, they allowed less than a six-yard average return—giving them one of the best net averages in the league.

4) Philadelphia Eagles

*Pictured: Jeremy Maclin*

David Akers finished second in scoring last season. He's as automatic as the sunrise.

The real story here is the addition of Jeremy Maclin.

He should help the offense, however his biggest addition will be as a returner—freeing up DeSean Jackson for more offense.

Another possible returner is Ellis Hobbs who came over in a draft day trade.

Philadelphia may be one of the fastest teams in the league.

3) New England Patriots

*Pictured: Wes Welker*

Hmm...the Patriots just keep making these lists.

First: The Patriots just hired special teams ace Scott O'Brien away from the fractured Broncos.

Second: Wes Welker.

Third: Steven Gostkowski led the league in points last year

So yes, Pats haters, they deserve to be here again.

The offense can struggle, the defense can age, but as long as the Patriots' special teams continue to excel...they'll always be in the discussion.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

*Pictured: Mike Nugent*

Matt Bryant was a great story last year and fought through adversity to be the fourth best kicker in the league. The new coaching staff rewarded him with competition in the form of former second-round pick Mike Nugent.

Seventh round pick Sammie Stroughter will provide a boost to the sixth-ranked return unit and could cost Dexter Jackson a roster spot.

Josh Bidwell just missed the top 10 as the 11th best punter.

1) San Diego Chargers

*Pictured: Darren Sproles*

San Diego is the only team in the league to finish 2008 in the top 10 of returning, kicking, and punting.

If anything, those should improve in '09.

At 27, Nate Kaeding is entering his prime and should make the leap from "great young kicker" to just "great kicker."

The same could be said for the 28-year-old Mike Scifres.

Darren Sproles will probably end up more active in the offense in '09, but that only means the equally explosive Antonio Cromartie will see the field.

Best of the Rest

In no certain order:

Detroit: Jason Hanson was 8-for-8 in FGs over 50 yards last year. With an improved offense in '09, he should have more chances up close.

Derrick Williams should help the return game, which will take more chances under new coaching.

Washington: Adding Hunter Smith should help the horrible punting in the nation's capital. They are already one of the best returning teams.

Chicago: Devin Hester

Minnesota: Minnesota finished in the top 10 rankings of punting and kicking last year—something which certainly kept them in a few games to let Adrian Peterson take over.