by Jordan Raanan from www.eaglesville.com
7/30/2008- PM Practice
For most NFL franchises, special teams practice is ho-hum. The practice punts, kickoffs and field goals with little fanfare. It’s a completely different story for the Eagles.
Special teams are of utmost importance for the Birds, their coach and fans. Coach Andy Reid even described the units as “horrendous” the last two years during an interview earlier this week on WIP with Howard Eskin and Hugh Douglas. So when the Eagles practice special teams at Lehigh University during training camp, it’s important.
Every time rookie DeSean Jackson catches a punt and races more than the five yards Eagles fans became so familiar with during Reno Mahe’s tenure, it’s important. Every time punter Sav Rocca blasts a punt, it’s important. Every time Lorenzo Booker rips off a decent kick return, it’s an upgrade. That’s what Reid was happy to see during Wednesday’s special teams practice.
Jackson was back looking smooth catching punts, and Rocca was the one blasting them to him. Another rookie Quintin Demps appears to be the Eagles’ other option to return punts if Jackson — who has already struggled with a hamstring injury — can’t stay on the field. Regardless, the Eagles’ punt returners will have more explosiveness this season. Demps and Jackson are both playmakers with speed who handle punt returns smoothly.
As for Rocca, the Eagles need more consistency out of him this season. Last year, the former Aussie Rules player averaged a respectable but not great 42 yards per punt last year. He kicked some long, high bombs but also mixed in some shanks.
Training camp hasn’t been much different. For every three Rocca punts there is one short one and two long blasts. He seems to get into a rhythm after several kicks. The only problem is you don’t have the opportunity to boot three straight punts in a game. Punters have to come in cold, hit one punt and possibly wait another hour for the next kick. It’s something Rocca is still getting used to.
“It’s just time, getting a lot of reps,” Rocca said. “I’ve been a little more consistent this year than last, so hopefully I’ll continue to get better.”
Rocca’s biggest struggle is the ball drop. There is nothing besides continuous practice that will expedite the process. Afternoon special teams practices give Rocca the extra, needed experience.
And it’s not just Rocca that needs the extra work, it’s the entire Eagles’ special teams. Unfortunately, not everyone the Eagles added this offseason to contribute on special teams was available for the workout. Chris Clemons and Rocky Boiman, two players who were brought in to bolster the units, missed the afternoon practice due to injuries. Clemons is recovering from dehydration and Boiman has a leg contusion.
