Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener

In the NFL, special teams often fly under the radar compared to offense and defense—but their impact on games can be decisive, from game-winning field goals to momentum-shifting punt returns. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, ensuring this unit is locked in before the regular season begins has been a top priority, and the team has checked that box with a key announcement: Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener. The finalization comes after weeks of training camp battles, preseason evaluations, and strategic adjustments, with the Jaguars trimming the unit to 12 players (including specialists and core special teams contributors) who will take the field for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. For special teams coordinator Heath Farwell, the finalized group represents a balance of veteran reliability and youthful athleticism—two traits he believes are essential for a unit that can swing games. Fans, while often focused on quarterback Trevor Lawrence or edge rusher Josh Allen, are also breathing a sigh of relief, knowing the Jaguars’ special teams won’t be a question mark when the season kicks off. As the opener nears, all attention is on how this unit will perform in high-pressure moments—and whether it can become a strength rather than a liability.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener is a milestone that comes with clear stakes, especially after the Jaguars’ special teams struggles in 2023. Last season, the unit ranked 24th in the NFL in special teams DVOA (a metric measuring efficiency), with issues ranging from inconsistent field goal accuracy (they made just 78% of their attempts) to slow punt return averages (6.2 yards per return, 28th in the league). This offseason, the Jaguars addressed those weaknesses head-on: they re-signed veteran kicker Brandon McManus (who joined the team mid-2023 and made 82% of his field goals) and added free-agent punter Logan Cooke (a former Pro Bowler with the Detroit Lions) to stabilize the kicking game. They also drafted a dynamic return specialist in the fifth round—wide receiver Trey Harrell, who averaged 15.3 yards per punt return in college—to boost their return game. For Farwell, the finalized unit is a response to last season’s shortfalls. “We set out to fix the areas that hurt us last year,” Farwell said in a post-announcement press conference. “Bringing back Brandon, adding Logan, and drafting Trey gives us the talent and consistency we need. This unit isn’t just here to avoid mistakes—it’s here to make plays.” The Jaguars’ front office also invested in core special teams players, re-signing linebacker Chad Muma (who led the team in special teams tackles last season) and signing veteran safety Rudy Ford (a proven special teams ace with 80 career special teams tackles).

The structure of the finalized special teams unit highlights how the Jaguars plan to utilize each player’s unique skills, with clear roles assigned to specialists, returners, and core contributors. At the specialist positions, McManus will handle all kicking duties (field goals, extra points, kickoffs), while Cooke will take over punting and hold for field goals— a role he excelled at in Detroit. Long snapper Ross Matiscik, a four-year veteran, retains his job after a flawless 2023 season (no bad snaps on field goals or punts). On returns, Harrell will be the primary punt returner, with second-year running back Tank Bigsby serving as the backup and handling kickoff returns. The core contributors—players who focus on blocking, tackling, and covering kicks—include Muma, Ford, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and defensive back Montaric Brown, all of whom have a history of making impact plays on special teams. During preseason, this group showed flashes of potential: in the Jaguars’ third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, Harrell returned a punt 32 yards to set up a touchdown, while McManus made a 52-yard field goal in windy conditions. “Everyone knows their role, and that’s the key to special teams success,” Cooke said. “When you have clarity on what you need to do, you can focus on executing—and that’s what we’re ready to do in Week 1.”

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener also aligns with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ broader strategy of building a complete team—one that doesn’t have obvious weaknesses. The Jaguars’ offense (led by Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr.) and defense (anchored by Allen) are expected to be competitive in 2024, but a strong special teams unit can turn close games in their favor. By finalizing the unit early, the Jacksonville Jaguars give Farwell and his players extra time to refine timing and chemistry—critical for plays like field goal attempts (which require coordination between kicker, holder, and long snapper) or punt returns (which depend on blockers creating lanes for the returner). The team’s general manager, Trent Baalke, has emphasized that special teams can’t be an afterthought. “You win games in the margins in this league,” Baalke said. “A great special teams unit can win you two or three games a season—and that’s the difference between making the playoffs and staying home. Finalizing this unit ahead of the opener shows we take that seriously.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the special teams unit isn’t just a complement to the offense and defense—it’s a third leg of the stool, essential for sustained success.

Another key aspect of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener is the competition that shaped the roster, and how it will keep the unit sharp throughout the season. While the final 12 players have locked up spots for Week 1, several backups (including undrafted free agent kicker Jake Bates and rookie punt returner Jalen McLeod) remain on the practice squad, ready to step in if injuries strike. This depth ensures that no single injury derails the unit—and it also creates healthy pressure for the starters to maintain their performance. For example, McManus knows that Bates (who made 90% of his field goals in college) is waiting in the wings, which will push him to stay consistent. Farwell has also made it clear that roles aren’t permanent. “Just because you’re on the unit for Week 1 doesn’t mean you’re there for Week 2,” Farwell said. “We’ll evaluate every play, every game, and make changes if needed. Competition keeps everyone hungry—and that’s how we’ll stay at the top of our game.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this approach ensures that the special teams unit remains a work in progress—one that gets better with each week, rather than stagnating after the opener.

Looking ahead, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener is a sign that the Jaguars are ready to compete on all three phases of the game when the season begins. The unit’s success in Week 1 could set the tone for the entire season: a game-winning field goal from McManus, a long punt return from Harrell, or a key stop on a Dolphins kickoff return could give the Jaguars momentum early—and boost confidence across the entire team. For Farwell and his players, the finalized unit is more than just a roster—it’s a promise to the rest of the team that they’ll hold up their end of the bargain. “The offense and defense work so hard to put us in position to win,” Matiscik said. “Our job is to make sure we don’t let them down. Whether it’s a perfect snap, a made field goal, or a big return—we’re ready to contribute.” For fans, the finalized special teams unit is one more reason to be excited about the 2024 season. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Special Teams Unit Finalized Ahead of Opener isn’t just an announcement—it’s a statement that the Jaguars are serious about winning, and that no part of their team will be overlooked. As the opener nears, the Jaguars’ special teams are locked in, ready to make their mark.