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Pro Football Focus: Ravens Special Teams #1 In 2016

By Joe Schiller

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks an extra point from the hold of punter Sam Koch (4) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks an extra point from the hold of punter Sam Koch (4) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens have some momentum in their special teams going into next year

After a disappointing 8-8 season, many people are more inclined to look at the negatives than the positives. The offense struggled, the defense lapped at the end of the season, and the Ravens have missed the playoffs three out of the last four seasons. But not all is lost from last season. A major positive was the play of the special teams. According to Pro Football Focus, the Baltimore Ravens had the best special teams unit in 2016.

The special teams trio of Justin Tucker, Sam Koch, and Morgan Cox are a tight nit group. Justin Tucker was rated as the best place kicker and Sam Koch finished ranked fifth for punters. They refer to themselves as “The Wolfpack”. An article from the Baltimore Sun explained the name.

"Although the three members of what Tucker began calling “The Wolfpack” during his rookie season don’t exactly conjure up images of the group from the motley cast of characters in the “Hangover” movie series that inspired the name, there is one commonality:"

As silly as the name may seem, this group gets it done on the field. It is no surprise that they all have been selected the Pro Bowl in their careers. Tucker had one of the best seasons last year. He made 38 or 39 field goals attempted. His only miss came from a block against the Patriots. It is questionable if that should count as a miss but that is a story for another time. His accuracy has made him the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: What We Learned From League Meetings

Can They Continue This Success?

While it is great that the special teams did so well, there is always room for concern. As the article points out, the top three cover men Kendrick Lewis, Matt Elam, and Kyle Juszczyk are all gone. Luckily for the Ravens, they seem to always have undrafted or rookie players who contribute well in special teams. Tucker also had a fantastic season, but sooner or later we could see some drop off. Special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg will have his hands full trying to find replacements but it hopefully should not be a problem. The offense struggled tremendously last season the special teams bailed them out. They can only do so much up to a point.

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