2011 NFL Predictions: Indianapolis Colts Will Put the "Special" in Special Teams

The Indianapolis Colts have been wretched on special teams for much of the past decade.

Their coverage units routinely give up big plays that lead to short fields for the opposing team's offense (or worse, seven points). Their return game has been abysmal since Terrence Wilkins left the team in 2006. Until Pat McAfee arrived, their kickoffs were weak. One small bright spot has been Adam Vinatieri's clutch field goals.

Vinatieri has lost some of his distance the past couple of years, but recent news out of Indianapolis that Pat McAfee might be used for long field goals has gotten Colts faithful even more excited about the field-goal squad this year.

But there are more reasons for hope that special teams will turn around in 2011 than just the kicking team. The identities of the kick returners are still unknown, but a couple of young guys have shown well so far in training camp. Additionally, the coverage unit has some big-time performers coming back, and a few newer guys are expected to perform well.

The new rules for this year mandate the kickoff starting spot at the 35-yard line. This change will do much more than the coverage teams will to limit opposing teams' return game.

Let's take a look at why punting, field-goal kicking, returning and covering kickoff and punt returns will be much improved for the Colts this season.

Punts and Kickoffs Will Continue To Be a Strength for the Colts

Second-year pro Pat McAfee has a gregarious free spirit that has endeared him to Colts faithful. His good nature would be for naught if he weren't effective on the field, however.

McAfee showed against the St. Louis Rams (in the Colts' first preseason game on Saturday) that he could easily force touchbacks on kickoffs. This will be a formidable weapon come the regular season, and the Colts defense will appreciate that its opponents will routinely start on their own 20-yard line.

McAfee has a great leg for punts as well. He is quick in getting them away and gets great hang time and solid distance on most of his punts. 

With McAfee's power, the Colts coverage team will have a leg up on opposing teams' kick returners this season.

Kick Return Situation Is in Flux, but a Few Guys Do Show Promise

Local speedster Devin Moore seems to have the inside track to the punt return job. He has good hands and acceleration. He is a borderline option as a running back, however, so the primary competitors for the spot (Joe Lefeged or David Gilreath) may supplant him if they're able to distinguish themselves as viable position players.

If either Gilreath or Lefeged makes the team as a returner, look for Taj Smith to end up on the practice squad.

For kickoff returns, undrafted free-agent Chad Spann has gotten some looks so far this preseason. Unfortunately, he did nothing to increase his chances of getting the job in his first outing against the Rams last weekend. 

He muffed the handle on two kickoffs. Blair White is probably the best option for kickoff returns, but his injury may prevent him from contributing much this year.

The rumor mill has been rife with talk that T.J. Houshmandzadeh may be targeted as a late-camp pickup by the Colts. If he does end up with the team, he would bring instant credibility to the kickoff return position. He still has good speed for his age and handles the ball well in space.

The Colts are not known for having great blocking in the return game, so big plays will probably continue to be rare, no matter who is back to return kicks.

Field-Goal Kicking Will Be Solid Again in 2011

As previously mentioned, Pat McAfee might attempt a long field goal during the regular season. The Colts are known as a risk-adverse team, but this might actually be a good option in a late-game or late first-half situation.

Although head coach Jim Caldwell seemed to scoff at the idea, it seems like it could be a legitimate option for a team that hasn't had a long field-goal threat since Mike Vanderjagt wore the horseshoe.

Of course, future Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri will remain as a money kicker in tight situations and for shorter field goals and extra points.

Coverage Units Will Be Better This Season

The Colts have been one of the worst coverage teams the last few years. Last year, they were 31st in the league with a 25.8 yards-allowed-per-return average. By continually ceding large chunks of yards before the opposition's offense even steps on the field, the coverage unit puts tremendous pressure on the Colts defense.

Again, the new 35-yard line starting point for kickoffs (which was implemented to minimize the number of injuries on those high-flying and high-impact plays) will help the Colts coverage squads in 2011 and will lead to more touchbacks. Pat McAfee's long kicks will also be beneficial on this front.

Some of the personnel on the coverage unit will change in 2011, and hopefully, special teams coach Ray Rychleski can find guys who won't miss tackles quite as often as some of the guys did last year.

Jerry Hughes has not impressed me since he was drafted in the first round in 2010. His broken containment of Antonio Cromartie on a punt return in the Jets playoff victory over the Colts last year was the low-water mark in his career so far.

He needs to show that he can be a good edge-rusher early this season, or the "bust" label will start to circle his head like a hungry vulture over a dying moose.

With Vinatieri's continued excellence, McAfee's strong leg and the chance for new returners to step up, the Colts have reason for optimism that their special teams will actually be special in 2011. And best of all, Justin Snow will be back as the long snapper.