2017 Training Camp: Did the Arizona Cardinals fix their special teams?

The Players

Matt Wile, Richie Leone, Phil Dawson, Aaron Brewer

There is a strong case to be made that the 2016 season fell the way it did because of special teams play for the Arizona Cardinals.

Whether that was on Steve Keim for going cheap, Bruce Arians for being too loyal, or Amos Jones for being bad, it really doesn't matter.

What matters is, the Cardinals have addressed the situation and if it isn't better in 2017, then it falls on the decision makers and coaches, because that's the only consistent force.

It shouldn't be a weakness though.

Phil Dawson is one of the better and more consistent kickers in NFL history. He brings a veteran steadiness to the position and the Cardinals paid a premium for it.

Aaron Brewer has been a solid long snapper in the NFL for years, again, veteran.

Where the Cardinals may be taking a risk is at punter, where Matt Wile, the man who finished the 2016 season as the punter and holder for the Cardinals will look to hold onto the position against Richie Leone, the Canadian Football League vet.

It'll be one of the more important battles in camp, after the right guard and cornerback two position, and one that the Cardinals need to get right.

What happens?

I'm not going to lie to you. I haven't the foggiest what is going to happen in the punter battle. I just want to believe that the Cardinals make the right call.

One other special teams aspect that really intrigues me is, can T.J. Logan return punts as well as kicks?

I'd love to get Logan touches on more than kickoff returns, but I don't want another Andre Ellington situation where you force a player into a position he doesn't belong.

Surprise Cuts?

I mean… Dawson and Brewer are the only players at their position, so they have to be the only options who could be surprising cuts.

Are you team Wile or Leone?