San Diego’s special teams were embarrassing last season, finishing dead last in punt return yards (4.2 yards per return) and kickoff coverage (27.5 yards allowed per return).
The Chargers only had 1 punt return yard through Week 11 and ended the season with only 84; that was 69 yards less than the next worst team and only 57 yards better than the record for least punt return yards in NFL history.
Special teams is really a group effort, and with the depth taxed to its breaking point, it’s not surprising the special teams took a hit. Still, the ineptitude of the deposed Jacoby Jones and Keenan Allen returning punts was a surprise.
The Chargers will have to significantly improve their special teams, especially on returns, if they plan to make a playoff run next season.
Positional Strength: C
