Vikings' special teams showing improvement under Murphy

**VikingMike** · 10-09-2009, 07:51 AM

[size=13pt]Vikings' special teams showing improvement under Murphy[/size]

By Sean Jensen
[email protected]
Updated: 10/08/2009 10:52:21 PM CDT

In the offseason, Vikings special-teams coordinator Paul Ferraro joined the staff of a longtime friend, Steve Spagnuolo, who had been hired to be the head coach of the St. Louis Rams. Spagnuolo gave Ferraro an opportunity he relished, to oversee a position, naming him the Rams' linebackers coach.

Vikings coach Brad Childress immediately replaced Ferraro by promoting special-teams assistant Brian Murphy.

Now, the Vikings aren't looking back.

**V4L** · 10-09-2009, 11:27 AM

It was a good move

Havin Heath back pretty much means he doesnt need to do shit ha

**Marrdro** · 10-11-2009, 07:01 AM

"V4L" wrote:

It was a good move

Havin Heath back pretty much means he doesnt need to do pooh ha

Still trying to give one guy all the credit huh.
:

http://www.nfl.com/players/heathfarw...e?id=FAR798216

My guess.......

a.
Higher punts = Longer hang time vs "Kick it as far as you can".
b.
Using starters.
I've seen Chad and EJ on more tackles than I've seen your boy Heath.
c.
Addition Onatolu and the maturation of Paymah.
If it isn't a starter, those two cats are there.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/minnesotavi...stics?team=MIN

On a side note, Shortwells leg (Yes Mars I know he can kick a FG) still drives me crazy.

**Purple Floyd** · 10-11-2009, 07:57 AM

They finally put players on the field who understand the concept of"run down the field real fast and tackle the guy with the ball".

I know that is a difficult concept but it looks like they have it almost down pat.

**Marrdro** · 10-11-2009, 08:38 AM

"UffDaVikes" wrote:

They finally put players on the field who understand the concept of"run down the field real fast and tackle the guy with the ball".

I know that is a difficult concept but it looks like they have it almost down pat.

Almost as difficult of a concept to understand as "Don't Outkick Your Coverage".. :P

**battleaxe4cheese** · 10-11-2009, 09:31 AM

We have definitely improved from last year. I think it's due to several factors, but the point is we are better.

**Overlord** · 10-11-2009, 10:29 AM

"Marrdro" wrote:

"V4L" wrote:

It was a good move

Havin Heath back pretty much means he doesnt need to do pooh ha

Still trying to give one guy all the credit huh.

:

http://www.nfl.com/players/heathfarw...e?id=FAR798216

My guess.......

a.
Higher punts = Longer hang time vs "Kick it as far as you can".
b.
Using starters.
I've seen Chad and EJ on more tackles than I've seen your boy Heath.
c.
Addition Onatolu and the maturation of Paymah.
If it isn't a starter, those two cats are there.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/minnesotavi...stics?team=MIN

On a side note, Shortwells leg (Yes Mars I know he can kick a FG) still drives me crazy.

I'm not sure about those longer hang-times or the fact that we are using some starters.
Obviously these can help, but I don't think those are the main things in having better kick coverage.

Kick coverage is largely about discipline, and that's something that can be coached.
There are some ST coaches that have squads doing a great job year-after-year, and it's not just because they have better players.
The players they do have know not to leave their lanes (see Browns game).

The team has done better on average this year, but has still given up two TDs in four games on special teams.
I'm optimistic we won't see that trend continue because just watching it looks like they're doing a better job, but who knows.

On the other hand, our returners are naturals right now (well, when Reynaud is healthy).
You can't scheme that in the return game.