Surprise onside kicks a percentage play
By Eli Kaberon
PRO Football Weekly
Following his team's Super Bowl victory, Saints punter and kickoff specialist Thomas Morstead recalled his emotions when New Orleans coach Sean Payton notified him during the long halftime break that he'd be kicking onside at the start of the second half.
"I wasn't worried," Morstead said. "I was just terrified." .....
Longtime college and NFL special-teams coordinator Gary Zauner said that the decision of a kicking team to try an onside kick or not try one at all depends on the opponent's front-line players. If these blockers are staying home and waiting to see if the kick is over their heads, it is smart to kick deep. But if they are sneaking back and trying to get a head start on blocking, they are opening up a gap that would allow for the trick play to succeed. Read more...
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