Field position and turnovers are always the key to winning games in the NFL.  So what happened to the New York Giants special teams? 

To say they are bad would be an understatement.  If you are a pint glass "half full" type of guy, then you would say the special teams are consistent.  I hope that makes you feel better.  One could also say that the special teams plays haven't hurt us so far in the 2011 season. 

Some of that thought process is accurate; however, how can being ranked 25th in kick returns, having only 16 touch-backs after they changed the rule, and only averaging 9.0 yards a punt return be good.

Punt Returns:

We are hoping that corner back Aaron Ross has some magic in the second half of the season because up to this point he has been disappointing.

9 yards a return.

There are 19 other punt returners in the NFL that have a better average than Aaron Ross.  Did we not all fist pump together when we found out the Aaron Ross would be the permanent punt returner?  No more Darius Reynard.  

So what happened?  Blocking definitely has something to do with the over all production and it has never been the strength of the G-Men, but nine yards a carry is dismal.  

Kick Off

Lawrence Tynes will forever be a 2007 playoff hero and a solid performer on extra points; however, with the new rule change how does he only have 16 touch backs and two blocked field goals?

 

Kick Return:

There is a philosophy that small returners are more explosive than big body returners.  I don't have any reach that backs that up; however, it does seems like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy  Maclin, Darren Sproles and Ted Ginn fit that profile and make it happen.

The New York Giants have hit a cross road with the 6-foot-2 221 pounds Devin Thomas.  Do you keep him or do you sit him down.  He's average, which when you are trying to win games...isn't enough. 

Not every returner can return the rock to the promise land, but Devin Thomas seems to be barely keeping the seat warm.  He has "zero" returns over 40 yards.

21 other kick returns have a return of 40 yards or more. 

Solution:

Da'Rel Scott.  

In his rookie season at Maryland he had 132 return yards against FSU.  There is some track record of success.  His 4.34 speed will clearly be an upgrade over Devin Thomas and should be intriguing to say the least. 

The Giants have had luck making superstars from seventh round picks, you just need to put him on the field. No one puts any stock into preseason, but it was sure nice to see the kid fly.