Special teams, not special treatment

Bill Belichick is simply an old school football coach. He expects his players to be prepared to do anything, regardless of their importance to the team. This shines through with new New England Patriots Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, as both have received reps on special teams early in training camp.

Phil Perry of CSNNE.com wrote this on the topic:

But the reward outweighs the risk in Belichick's eyes. A special teams coach with the Lions, Broncos and Giants early in his career, Belichick knows the value of having his best athletes on the field for a phase of the game that can decide outcomes on a week-to-week basis.

Perry's point is well founded in the football past of Belichick. The coach finds that piece of the game critical, and tends to put many top guns on the special teams units. While major injuries (Gronkowski's forearm) have happened in the past on special teams, Belichick will not change his stripes, and I support it. We all cheered the punt returns of Julian Edelman despite his importance to the offense last year. It would be hypocritical to say key players should not be involved with special teams.

My expectation is that Revis and Browner are learning those positions in case of either critical moments or mid game injuries, as there are several bodies who will be fresher at the time of a punt. I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Browner plays on special teams though, and that Revis is learning the role to step in (or add depth) for the first four weeks. So if they're learning for depth, why would that be so important to the team and Belichick?

It's pretty clear if you have followed this coach long enough, as he expects players to come in hungry every season. Training camp is a time where people are gunning for your job, and the difference between making a roster and not can be special teams. If you're a player who would've felt like a lock entering camp, and you see Revis/Browner working hard on special teams, that has to keep you on your toes. On top of that, there is a level of respect that has to be earned on the practice field, and seeing these guys step up in that third phase of the game will show teammates Revis and Browner aren't looking to get by on their reputation. They're looking to earn jobs and win Superbowls.

Would you have Revis and Browner out there for special teams practice? Would you use either in special teams during a game? Let's chat @TheFib0624

--Bill Stiles