Bills Special Teams Changes Possible?

Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell (9) celebrates kicking a field goal with punter Shawn Powell (6) against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason has been one to remember with many changes to hopefully get this organization going in the right direction. Two things that this teams fan base has been waiting for has come true with them finally getting their potential franchise quarterback and also a new coach that will be looking to change the philosophy of this team. This will be a hard working team that will not quit and compete every week. We have heard plenty about both the offense and defense but what about the teams special teams?

When Doug Marrone was hired he then brought in a new special teams coordinator by the name of Danny Crossman. Crossman has had plenty of experience as he started in the college ranks back in 93. His NFL career started as he assisted with the coordinator in Carolina before taking the job in 2005. He stayed on with the club until 2009 where he then moved onto the Lions. During his time with the Panthers they made 3 playoff appearances. With Detroit he helped improve their unit within the first year. Although it was nothing to get excited about at least he did what he could. Some bright spots were a top 5 punt return man and longtime kicker Jason Hanson set a franchise record with 134 points.

Now looking at the Bills I wonder what he will do. Who will be returning kicks and punts for this team? Will it still be McKelvin, Brad Smith, Justin Rogers or will someone new get the job? TJ Graham comes to mind for returns. Newcomer Goodwin also comes to mind but I think he will be more involved with the offense.

Another question I have is what will happen in the kicking game. Will this team retain Rian Lindell? I have never had a problem with him and think he has done a good job but time has come where this team needs to go in a different direction. Newly drafted kicker Dustin Hopkins has a great chance to make this team. Seeing what he can do it looks like he’ll fit right in. On the other side is Shawn Powell the punter for this team? I don’t see anyone as of right now that can take over his job so I believe it’s his job to lose. The Bills can always bring in a vet to keep him honest or also to flat out take his place. We’ll see what happens when this team gets closer to camp.

With a lot of questions and answers hopefully coming I think this team can have a pretty good special teams. Will they ever get back to the way they were under Bobby April? That I’m not sure of but let’s see what this guy’s got.