Analysis: Special teams were full of chokes in the NFL's wacky Week 10 from

Analysis: Special Teams Filled with Chokes in Wild NFL Week 10

Missed kicks, muffed punts, and blocked field goals plagued the NFL in a Week 10 full of special teams blunders.

Critical Moment

In a game that had immense playoff implications, New Orleans Saints kicker Will Lutz missed a potential game-winning 61-yarder, sending the game to overtime. The Saints eventually lost to the Tennessee Titans in overtime.

Kicking Woes

The Saints were not alone in their kicking woes. The Arizona Cardinals missed two field goals and an extra point in their loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina Panthers missed an extra point and field goal in their win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Punting Problems

Missed kicks were not the only issue: muffed punts were also a problem in Week 10. The New York Jets muffed a punt that led to a Colts score. The Las Vegas Raiders muffed two punts in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Costly Errors

The special teams blunders had a significant impact on the outcome of games. Five missed extra points left teams with a one-point deficit, which could have been easily avoided with a successful kick. Four missed field goals resulted in teams losing by three or fewer points, highlighting the importance of reliable kicking.

Vulnerabilities Exposed

The special teams failures indicate vulnerabilities that teams need to address. Missed kicks and muffed punts can be game-changing errors, especially in close games where every point matters. It is crucial for teams to invest in reliable players and improve their special teams play to prevent these mistakes from costing them valuable wins.

Conclusion

Week 10 of the NFL season was a rollercoaster of emotions, with several games decided by special teams miscues. Missed kicks and muffed punts proved to be costly mistakes for several teams and highlighted the need for reliable special teams play. As teams strive to secure playoff spots, addressing these vulnerabilities will be key to achieving postseason success.