One of the Detroit Lionsí biggest and quietest changes in the offseason so far has been the hiring of new special teams coordinator John Bonamego.
Certainly canít place all the blame for the 4-12 season on special teams, but they didnít contribute as much as they could have. In fact their play hurt more than helped.
Solid special teams play is one reason ó along with Adrian Peterson ó the Minnesota Vikings (10-6) found success that the Lions didnít in 2012.
In fact, the Vikings had the best special teams in the NFL according to a study just released by Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News. Itís an annual survey that ranks the 32 NFL special teams units in 22 categories assigning points according to their standing ó one for best, 32 for the worst.
The Vikings were the best with 253.5 points. While the Lions ranked 30th with 441.5 points.
It explains a little something.
The Lions were worst in punting averaging at 41.4 yards and also were tied with the New York Jets for worst in allowing 24 special teams points.
The Vikings kicked the most field goals (35), committed the fewest turnovers and allowed the fewest points on special teams.
There is hope though.
In 2011 the Vikings were 29th in special teams and made the leap to first under the tutelage of special teams coach Mike Priefer, whose father Chuck was the Lionsí long-time special teams coach.
Bonamego brings a good record to Detroit after serving as special teams coordinator for Jacksonville (2002 and 2012), Packers (2003-05), Saints (2006-07) and Dolphins (2008-11) and assistant special teams coordinator of the Saints in 2011.
From 2002-2011, Bonamegoís special teams units were ranked in the Top 10 of the Dallas Morning News rankings six times, according to the Lions web site.
Heís got almost nowhere to go but up with the Lions.
The good old days
Hereís a little fodder for Super Bowl party conversation. Did you know the Lions (four) have more NFL championships than the New England Patriots (three)?
Ran across interesting numbers this week involving teams with the most NFL championships. Hereís the list: Packers (13); Bears (nine); Giants (eight); Steelers (six); 49ers, Cowboys and Redskins (five) and Lions, Browns and Colts (four).
Of course, the last Lionsí championship was in 1957 when they smoked the Cleveland Browns 59-14. The others were in 1935 (they beat the Giants 26-7), 1952 (beat Browns 17-7) and 1953 (beat Browns again 17-16).
Ah, the good old days.
Hall of Fame
Former Lions defensive tackle Curley Culp (1980-81) is one of the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
Culp, who is one of two senior committee nominees, is the only finalist with a connection to the Lions. Heís best known for his years with the Kansas City Chiefs ó- including their Super Bowl IV win.
ďIt has not captured my every thought, but ever since I became a finalist, Iíve been thinking a lot about it,Ē Culp told ESPN.com.
The voting is on Saturday in New Orleans and will be announced during an NFL Network show starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.