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Giants had NFL’s worst special teams in 2017 -- Gosselin rankings

That news should not surprise anyone who watched the games

By Ed Valentine
NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Brad Wing gets a punt blocked against the Eagles.
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

You knew that the New York Giants’ special teams were bad in 2017. They were, in fact, so awful that Rick Gosselin’s annual — and widely acclaimed — special teams rankings show the Giants as having the league’s worst special teams groups.

And it’s not even close.

Gosselin ranks all 32 teams in 22 kicking game categories. One point for best, 32 points for worst in each scored area. The Giants finished with 514 points. The 31st-place Denver Broncos had 472.

The Giants were worst in the league in the following categories:

  • Net punting average (36.7 yards)
  • Punts inside the 20-yard line (19)
  • Extra-point percentage (86.9)
  • Opponent blocked kicks (6)

Part of the Giants’ struggles can be explained by the number of injuries the team had. New players, many off practice squads or the street, make it difficult to get consistent special teams play. Still, the Giants were unimaginably bad on special teams in 2017.

Long-time special teams coordinator Tom Quinn is expected to be replaced. Reports have indicated that Thomas McGaughey, recently let go by the Carolina Panthers, is the leading candidate for the job.

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