Packers need to improve on special teams in 2019

The Green Bay Packers need big improvements on special teams this season.

The Packers made significant changes on both sides of the ball this offseason.

With the defense, it was all about adding to the roster, particularly at edge rusher and safety. On offense, they hired a new head coach to bring a new system and call the plays.

Changes have also been made on special teams, and it’s an area the Packers need to get a lot better in 2019. Green Bay was among the worst teams in the league on special teams last season, finishing 28th in Football Outsiders’ ratings.

The Packers allowed the fourth-highest average in kickoff return yards and the sixth-most average punt return yards.

Their own return yard statistics weren’t much better, either. Green Bay averaged 21.5 yards on kickoff returns (No. 21 in the NFL) and 6.6 yards on punt returns (No. 22).

Unsurprisingly, new head coach Matt LaFleur decided to make a change, replacing Ron Zook with Shawn Mennenga as the special teams coordinator.

JK Scott looks to be set as the punter for 2019 as he’s currently the only punter on the roster, but the same can’t be said of Mason Crosby, who faces competition from former Rams kicker Sam Ficken. But it’s a training camp competition Crosby should and will be expected to win.

But other questions need to be answered this summer. Top of the list is who will be returning kickoffs and punts this season?

The Packers also need to be making the right decisions on special teams. Ty Montgomery‘s fumble on a kickoff return against the LA Rams potentially cost the team the game, as the opportunity for the Packers to get the ball back in the final two minutes was gone.

While the play of the offense and defense will be the focus at training camp, the Packers need big improvements on special teams in 2019.