Posted by Marwan Maalouf
If last Friday's preseason game against New Orleans was any indication of how the
Buffalo Bills will perform on special teams this season, head coach Dick Jauron will be pleased. I know it's still the preseason and most teams are experimenting with personnel and getting players in the right special teams phases, but special teams coordinator Bobby April is preparing his unit like the regular season is already here.
April is known for developing solid core players and getting production from vetern starters, and the game against the Saints was a perfect example of what he expects from his units. Punter Brian Moorman was reliable as usual with two punts averaging 44.5 yards, gunners Ashton Youboty and Sam Aiken played well in punt coverage and Langston Walker blocked a field goal.
Youboty, entering his second year in the league, got off the ball quickly and pressed and stacked the corner with his hands, keeping his distance and enabling himself to make the tackle. Aiken was also impressive with a shoestring tackle that resulted in a loss of four yards on the return, and starting right tackle Walker blocked Olindo Mare's 27-yard field goal by exploding off the ball with low pad level and lean, then extending his arms to meet the ball at its lowest point.
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