New Orleans Saints

Five things the special teams will need to improve on Sunday for the New Orleans Saints

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New Orleans Saints will take the field against the New York Giants in just a few hours from now. Special teams will have to be sharp in order to get this road win. Here are five things to look for on Sunday.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 26: Tommylee Lewis

Sorry Marcus Murphy but 17.2 yards per kickoff return isn’t cutting it. Agreed that one game is not fair to give a fair evaluation. However, The Saints don’t have time though. It’s time to give someone else a chance. Especially, after that key kickoff return debacle, once the Raiders scored the go ahead touchdown last week. Give rookie Daniel Lasco or TommyLee Lewis a chance to make a play. If the Saints feel that Murphy is safer on punts, then fine. Field position is gonna be key, and kickoff returns are gonna be a big part of that equation.

Sean Payton for whatever reason has a man crush on rookie kicker Wil Lutz. If the guy can put it through the uprights, Who Dat Nation will be happy to kiss his feet too. Lutz nearly won the game for the Saints last week, as the 61 yard field goal drifted left as time expired. It was so close. That being said, Lutz did miss another one from 50 plus. That was last week. The Black and Gold just need someone clutch from 40 yards in. So Lutz, just drill the ones from under 40.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the second half of a game against the Oakland Raiders at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

There is really not much to say here. There’s a slight chance of rain tomorrow, which will make the ball even more slithery than normal. Hold on to the ball guys! There’s simply no time for that nonsense. Two hands on the ball when a defender is near. Carry the rock like there is no tomorrow. The Black and Gold surely got an earful from Sean Payton about this one thing I’m sure.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 13: Referee Ed Hochuli

The Saints had seven penalties for 53 yards last week. That wasn’t horrible, but there is room for improvement. There will probably be one opportunity to make a huge play in special teams today. The Saints will need to make sure that the blocks are clean. Also, lets not give any extra yardage for foolish things like facemasks or late hits. A penalty that negates a huge play on special teams can really suck the air out of a team. Just make the referees keep the yellow in their pants. This is why they have pockets.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 11: Willie Snead

Talk to each other. Make sure that everyone is supposed to be where they are assigned. Coaches get that count right on the players. Basically, communication is the cornerstone of special teams. One weak link in the chain can allow for a breakdown in coverage. There is no such thing as a stupid question. The last thing the Black and Gold needs, is an error due to a lack of communication. Furthermore, point the things out to the new players. The Saints have a lot of rookies, so veterans take the leadership role. These five things will help the Saints win on Sunday.