Special Teams
Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans kick returner Darius Reynaud (25) downs the ball on the opening kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The play was called a safety as he picked the ball up and backed into the end zone. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Checking the studs-and-duds from the first four games. Special team grades were:
- Steelers: Special Teams (minus Darius Reynaud): A+
- Texans: Special Teams: C
- Chargers: Special Teams: D
- Jets: Special Teams: B+
Reynaud started the season with his blooper. Brett Kern dropped a punt. Rob Bironas missed a field goal. Way, way, way too many penalties.
That’s not to say there hasn’t been good. Kern pinned the Steelers inside their own 20-yard-line for almost the entire game. Reynaud has had some good punt returns. George Wilson has an onside kick recovery. Bernard Pollard had a key blocked field goal.
This unit can show more consistency. Everything evens out to an average showing, maybe a tad above.
Grade: C