Colts training camp preview: Punting

We continue making our way around the special teams by looking at the punting unit now, which should be solidified for the next few years.

The Colts had one of the best punters in the league in Pat McAfee. He was an All-Pro punter who always helped them get out of hard situations. When he abruptly retired, it threw a wrench into their plans. They had to find a new punter to take over.

They ended up getting Rigoberto Sanchez, and he has been wonderful. While he hasn’t quite been as strong as McAfee, he was still good enough to get a four-year extension with the team. He has been exceedingly solid ever since Indianapolis brought him in.

Sanchez will be with the Colts for awhile, as will their long snapper Luke Rhodes who also signed an extension this summer. Having both back is good for the continuity of the punting unit. Sanchez is also the kickoff specialist, so the Colts keep him for those duties as well.

The punting unit as a whole benefits from Sanchez coming back. While the team hopes they will have to punt less because of how good their offense is, it’s not too bad to have to turn to a punter like him. Sanchez should only get better too as he is still only 24 years old.

Punting isn’t the most glamorous thing, but if you don’t have a good punter you have a big disadvantage when it comes to field position. That is something the Colts don’t have to worry about going into training camp. That’s a good feeling to have.