2012 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Roster Overview: Special Teams

Special teams positions are the most underrated spots of any team in the NFL.

Teams will win or lose games based on their offense and defense, but the special teams will contribute more than expected. Field position can win or lose games as the Falcons saw in 2011 when Bosher wasn't doing well on his punts, and field goals can end up leading to more wins if they are hit in clutch times.

Matt Bryant

2011 Role: Starting kicker

2012 Role: Starting kicker

Matt Bryant is arguably the best kicker in the NFL today. He may not have the strongest leg, but in the past two years he has missed just five kicks in 60 attempts, and he has been perfect from 50 or more yards.

Matt Bosher

2011 Role: Starting punter and kickoff specialist

2012 Role: Starting punter and kickoff specialist

He had a middling average for his overall year, but what people don't know is that in his last six games of the year, he averaged just over 50 yards per punt on 24 punts, with 10 of those landing inside of the 20-yard line. If he can continue this pace, he has nothing to worry about.

Dawson Zimmerman

2011 Role: Starting punter for Clemson

2012 Role: Training camp/practice squad punter

Zimmerman is an excellent punter in his own right. However, he just isn't good enough to beat Bosher for the starting job at punter. That has nothing to do with Zimmerman and is completely about how good Bosher can be as the punter in the Georgia Dome.

Joe Zelenka

2011 Role: Starting long snapper

2012 Role: Starting long snapper

Zelenka has been the Falcons' long snapper for three years now after playing for Jacksonville. This job is his to lose, as the snapper position is all about the rhythm with the kicker, punter and the holder. Zelenka has great rhythm with his teammates and will be a long shot to lose the job.