Colts vs. Ravens Postgame Grades: Special Teams

The Colts lost their second preseason game on Monday night 20-19. The special teams played an important role in that game. Here is how they graded out.

Special teams can be the difference between winning and losing a game. In this case, the Colts’ special teams gave them every opportunity to win. This unit might be their most consistent unit so far, which is a sight to see. That is usually the last unit to come around after a new staff is brought in. Here is how they graded out.

Adam Vinatieri continues to be an ageless wonder. Vinatieri drilled a 57 yard field goal in the first half, and shows no signs of slowing down. He is someone who can be relied on from any distance in any situation. Michael Badgley also hit a field goal in the second half.

Rigoberto Sanchez didn’t have his finest night. He shanked one punt off of his foot, and didn’t have any big boomers. But he did consistently punt the ball well enough to keep the Ravens from having good field position.

The kickoff coverage team was outstanding. They didn’t allow any big returns and forced a fumble. That is something that is going to be needed in the regular season. This seems like something that the Colts have a good handle on, and I would expect to continue to see this great coverage.

The punt coverage was equally fantastic. Clayton Geathers made his impact felt early forcing a fumble on punt coverage. The rest of the time, they were able to keep the return man corralled and didn’t allow any damage to be made in terms of field position.

Nyheim Hines continues to struggle in this role. He fumbled on a kickoff return to start the second half. He also juggled multiple punt returns in the game as well. Hines has fumbled four times in two games now. It might be time for Frank Reich to look for another return man.

Most of the special teams has been very good so far for the Colts. But they need to do better with the kickoff and punt returns moving forward.