Also some perspective. The fumble led to an early TD for LC. And the blown kickoff coverages gave up 14 points. That's a 21 point swing and big momentum builders for LC. But the Indians weathered all that. It's not all bad. The Indians didn't play a stellar game but still had enough fire power to take the win. But there will need to be some big improvements on special teams and the secondary. I don't think just any team will be able to run it up like that, but one was almost enough.
History lesson - what do the current players #2, #4, #5, #10, #21, #32, and #41 have in common with last year’s playoffs? They were all members of the Kickoff coverage team. Watch #2 take off the helmet/head of the SOC player fumbling a return kickoff. Did anyone notice that LC #21 got blown up trying to field a bouncing scrib kick? He was wobbly on his feet. LC #10 replaced LC #21 on all subsequent kickoff return attempts.
Last year against strong KO returners PNG employed a strategy of attempting to kick the ball out of bounds around the opponent’s 35 yard line. Few opposing coaches are going to give up a sure 15 yard field advantage from the 20 yard line and a possible fumble on a rekick. May not be macho but puts an end to TD run backs.
Our #18 kicker is very accurate with a good hold and snap. #18 has a 43 yd FG. But , there is always a But. There is a critical 15 yard difference between the distance for 40 yard FG and kicking the ball out of the opponent’s end zone for a touch back. PNG should not confuse the two. PNG has the strategy and the kicker accuracy to solve the current kicking game issues with TD returns.