The Detroit Lions switched out two long-time special teams fixtures for the 2021 season. Based on the results, the team didn’t suffer much in the move to replace Matt Prater and Don Muhlbach.
The Lions remained in the top 10 of the special teams unit rankings from Sports Illustrated’s Rick Gosselin in his annual compilation of the top groups. Punter Jack Fox was joined by new long snapper Scott Daly and (eventually) rookie kicker Riley Patterson as real assets for the Lions’ special teams.
Detroit finished seventh in the rankings, well behind the top-rated Baltimore Ravens but comfortably ahead of all teams outside the top 10. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp led a unit that finished second overall in punting and third in opposing starting field position.
Gosselin notes one tidbit that helped the Lions in the rankings,
Only four teams did not suffer any negative plays on special teams – no blocked kicks, turnovers or return touchdowns: Detroit, the New York Giants, Seattle and Tampa Bay.
As we all witnessed in Green Bay’s divisional round loss to the 49ers, negative special teams plays can be catastrophic for a team. Detroit’s return game wasn’t great, but the Lions didn’t give the ball away.
