As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, their special teams unit stands out as a formidable force. Under the guidance of newly appointed special-teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, the Seahawks have not only redefined their strategy but have also made significant strides in performance, culminating in an impressive playoff run.
A New Era with Jay Harbaugh
Jay Harbaugh joined the Seahawks as their special-teams coordinator in February 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his nine seasons at the University of Michigan. Initially, long snapper Chris Stoll expressed reservations about Harbaugh due to their contrasting collegiate allegiances—Stoll being a Penn State alumnus. However, Harbaugh quickly won over Stoll and the rest of the team.
“He is able to generate buy-in from guys, and that’s also just the culture we have here in Seattle,” Stoll remarked. “We know that we can make a difference and an impact on special teams.” This shift in dynamics has been evident as the Seahawks have excelled in special teams throughout the playoffs.
Record-Breaking Performances
The Seahawks have made headlines with five special teams touchdowns this season, including four from returns. Notably, Rashid Shaheed, acquired mid-season from the New Orleans Saints, electrified the crowd by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. His performances have become a hallmark of the Seahawks’ special teams success.
Ahead of their NFC Championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Harbaugh highlighted the rarity of such achievements in today’s game. “The investment that they have, that they put in day in and day out, unselfishness and commitment to doing it right and respecting the opponent in the process, they deserve to have success,” he said, emphasising the team’s dedication.
Stellar Individual Contributions
In addition to impressive team stats, individual players have shone brightly. Jason Myers, in his eleventh season, set a new NFL record by scoring 171 points as a kicker, surpassing the previous record held by David Akers. Meanwhile, punter Michael Dickson earned a second-team AP All-Pro selection, averaging 42.2 yards per punt and placing 20 of his 52 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
“They’re studs,” praised fullback Brady Russell, acknowledging the contributions of both Myers and Dickson. “They’re clearly two of the best in the world, and their performance kind of reflects their work ethic.”
Collective Efforts and Unsung Heroes
Seattle’s special teams have not only excelled in scoring but have also been critical in establishing momentum during games. The Seahawks allowed the second-fewest punt returns and fourth-fewest touchbacks in the league this season. Players like Dareke Young have stepped up in clutch situations, such as recovering a muffed punt in the NFC Championship to set up a crucial touchdown.
“There’s been a ton of games where we really flipped the game, got the momentum back,” Myers noted. “Or, it was a close game, and we really started the onslaught of points.”
This collective effort underscores the importance of special teams in football—a facet often overlooked but vital to team success.
Why it Matters
The Seahawks’ special teams performance is not just a statistical anomaly; it is a reflection of their commitment to excellence and teamwork. As they head into the Super Bowl, the contributions from Harbaugh and his players highlight the critical role that special teams can play in high-stakes matchups. This emphasis on strategic execution and player development may very well determine the outcome in the championship game, showcasing the profound impact that a well-organised special teams unit can have in the pursuit of glory on the biggest stage in football.
