New Orleans Saints: 2019 NFL’s highest graded special teams

Wil Lutz and Thomas Morstead are just a few names that make up the 2019 New Orleans Saints special teams, the NFL’s highest-graded unit.

2019 proved to be one of the best years the New Orleans Saints have had this decade. They finished the regular season with a 13-3 record. While a wild card playoff loss ended their season earlier than expected, they still proved one of the best teams in the NFL.

One unit that excelled especially in this timeframe is the special teams. Kicker Wil Lutz and punter Thomas Morstead are just two of the names that could be mentioned for the success of the special teams. Deonte Harris played a big part as well.

While not one person makes up a unit, those three are the most notable. However, it is the entire unit that is graded so that includes linemen, snappers, holders, blockers, and everyone else involved for the success of the special teams.

According to a composite ranking of Pro Football Focus, Football Outsiders, and Rick Gosselin, the New Orleans Saints average the best special teams in the entire NFL for the 2019 season, tied with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Wil Lutz made 32 of 36 field goals on the year and 48 of 49 extra points. He made up for 144 points of 478 total team points on the year. Thomas Morestead punted the ball 60 times this year, tied for third-most in his career, for an average of 46.2 yards per punt.

Deonte Harris was a rookie drafted by the New Orleans Saints last year and made the 2020 Pro-Bowl as a return specialist. Harris averaged 9.4 yards per punt return with one touchdown and 26.8 yards per kick return with zero touchdowns.

Harris’ stats might make him look undervalued; however, he put the New Orleans Saints in the position to win from a kickoff return more likely than not. Of course, these three have linemen, blockers, holders, and snappers to thank for all of this success as well.

With most of the special teams under contract for next year, the New Orleans Saints special teams unit should be able to continue their success into next year. They will be a big part of the continuing success in the near future.