A new look on special teams; the good, the bad, and McCourty

Devin McCourty returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the New York Jets in 2012 matchup. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

On Sunday's shocker upset loss to the Dolphins the Pats showed some new looks on special teams. We saw both Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty in to return kicks for the Patriots. Chung had previously never returned kicks in his professional career but had some experience in the position from his college days as an Oregon Duck. Chung enjoyed his new role in special teams stating:

It was definitely fun. Just got to get some more opportunities and do the best I can do. I’m only as good as the other 10 guys out there.

Fellow safety Devin McCourty also returned the last kickoff for the Pats, bringing it back 27 yards. McCourty has some professional experience in that role. You may recall he played a pivotal role in the Patriots overtime victory against the Jets in 2012. McCourty returned the ball 104 yards against the Pats bitter rival. Though both Chung and McCourty played well there was a key play on special teams that hurt the Patriots chance of victory more than any other factor.

The most disappointing play of the game had to be the blocked punt in the first quarter. The play set the tone for the day and gave Tannehill and company a short field to score the first points of the game. Mike Reiss broke down the play and how things went wrong in the protection:

..the Dolphins rushed six. The Patriots had eight in to protect. A blocked punt should not happen in that situation, but based on an initial pressure look up the middle, it seems logical to assume there was a call made to alter protection by personal protector Nate Ebner. Not every blocker on the line seemed to get the message however, with linebacker Chris McCain's inside rush beating Rob Ninkovich to his inside shoulder and giving McCain a direct line to punter Ryan Allen.

A lot of things went wrong in yesterday's game, but this wasn't the first time we've seen an issue on special teams. In the Patriots preseason game against the Eagles Tyler Ott made a key error and allowed a blocked punt in the first half of the game. Though Ott is no longer on the team it seems as though not everyone learned from his mistake. I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots spend a bit more time this week practicing blocking on special teams because if someone commits another blocking error in Minnesota the Patriots may start with an 0-2 record.