2. Jaguars
Jason Myers had a very up and down first year in Jacksonville. He struggled so much early on that some fans wanted him replaced. But as the year went on he got better, and missed just four field goals all season—where he struggled was with extra points, missing a league high seven. But overall he has a strong leg and could very easily improve in year two.
After drafting Bryan Anger with the 70th pick in the draft, the error that defined Gene Smith‘s tenure, he has been replaced by Brad Nortman; who came over from the Carolina Panthers this offseason. While Nortman will be somewhat of an upgrade, he wasn’t that much better than Anger was last season. He did have a slightly higher net with a slightly lower average per punt.
He also had more touchbacks in fewer attempts. But his return average against was significantly better. Part of that is because he gets good hangtime on his boots, but also partly due to the Panthers special teams.
While the kickoff returns were nothing special last season, they had the highest average on punt returns in the league. Of course the game in which Rashad Greene burned the Colts was largely responsible for that. With Greene, former Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Denard Robinson, they have capable returners.
Unfortunately for them their coverage units are not as good. They will have to improve there if they want to move up the list.