Winning teams that were “carried” by special teams

[74_75_78_79_]

Simply teams whose offense and defense play (both) didn’t warrant an above-500 record, yet the special teams forged them to such a regular season finish just the same.

Can’t really think of any off the top of my head and there likely has never really been any (why is a past Saints, or maybe Falcon squad, sort-of coming to mind? A previous Seahawk team as well). There have been plenty of winning teams whose offense has carried the load, or just the team’s defense doing so; but just the STs?

Thanks in-advance for any such informative answers!

[JohnTurney]

1986 Chiefs would be a candidate, depending on definition of "carried"

Someone can study some of the 1970s Redskins, thinking maybe 1974

[74_75_78_79_]

1986 Chiefs would be a candidate, depending on definition of "carried"

Someone can study some of the 1970s Redskins, thinking maybe 1974

I did think of '86 Chiefs upon writing OP, but from what little I recall (could be wrong) their D was at least above-average, if only because their secondary may have carried that very unit to such status. I'm thinking of teams whose offense was lesser than more than half the others, and whose defense was also lesser than more than half the others - each at least beneath the middle.

As for those George Allen Redskin squads...they did have the defenses and running games, thus those very run-games (with a serviceable Kilmer at helm) carrying them offenses to at least 'good' status.

I'm thinking '78...could any of those 9-7 or two 8-7-1 squads be candidates? Or, in Minny's case, was there just enough 'good' still left in the Purple People Eaters as well as just enough of that in their O as well (when Tarkenton played, that is)?

[JohnTurney]

As for those George Allen Redskin squads...they did have the defenses and running games, thus those very run-games (with a serviceable Kilmer at helm) carrying them offenses to at least 'good' status.

As I mentioned, check 1974, running game not as good as before, did hve good passing game, defense decent, but not stellar

[74_75_78_79_]

As for those George Allen Redskin squads...they did have the defenses and running games, thus those very run-games (with a serviceable Kilmer at helm) carrying them offenses to at least 'good' status.

As I mentioned, check 1974, running game not as good as before, did hve good passing game, defense decent, but not stellar

Thanks for directing me there! Read an article about them on Fansided. George Allen emphasized the (“one-third of the game”) importance of special teams. So Moseley and Theismann not only came onboard in ’74, and not only was Theismann the holder, but he was also a punt returner? Being the 3rd-string QB at the time, he really wanted to play-period. Learn something new every day!

Mentioned were some of other STers on the ’70s, Bass (TD in SBVII) amongst them. Those gunners apparently made life miserable for STs opponents. Shortly after Pardee took over (he putting most stock in defense), most of them were gone thus the special teams no longer having the mystique/intimidation they once had.

[Halas Hall]

I think in a 1992 (?) book by Peter King, Bill Parcells gives the Giants special teams tremendous credit for their success in 1990, singling out coverage man Renya Thompson, return man David Meggett, punter Sean Landeta, and kicker Matt Bahr. I think Parcells sketches out how well the Giants fared when ball possession was exchanged.

[BD Sullivan]

The 70's Vikings had a good defense, but their special teams (as far as blocks) took them to another level.

[Jay Z]

1976 Redskins maybe. Yardage and turnovers from scrimmage are a .500 team. They did gain about 500 yards in return yardage. Maybe that was enough.

1986 Chiefs did not have ST stats that were all that great.

[JohnTurney]

1986 Chiefs did not have ST stats that were all that great.

it was the blocked and defeated punts that did it...not the returns and coverage.
also kicking was good, kick coverage good
punt return and punt coverage poor

but blocked kicks got them into playoffs

[sheajets]

I recall the Jets having Mike Westhoff as Special Teams coach and he was absolutely brilliant. A big return or a blocked kick or having the right guys in the right spots to recover an onside did in fact make a difference in many games. Mike Westhoff did a great job dialing up something special when the team needed it between 2001 and 2012