Long-time Packers fans are only too familiar with the team’s struggles on special teams in recent seasons. It has been a problem for the team for several years and has cost them several games.

In 2018, the Packers were ranked dead last in the league at overall special teams according Rick Gosselin’s annual special teams rankings. Special teams coordinator Ron Zook was let go and replaced by Shawn Mennenga. The Packers improved to 26^th in the Gosselin’s rankings which was a step forward but the team still has a long way to go.

The Pack has not been ranked higher than 16^th in the league on special teams since 2013 and were ranked 26^th or lower in three of the last four seasons.

The Packers are in a position to improve their special teams rankings again this season, but it will require the coverage teams to be better than they have been in the recent past.

Here is a look at the Packers special teams unit as the 2020 season approaches:

Kicker: Mason Crosby

Crosby is back for his 14^th season as the Packers kicker. He had a career-best season last year, making 22-of-24 field goals to tie Jan Stenerud’s all-time franchise record set back in 1981. He scored 106 points last year, topping 100 points for the 12^th time in his career.

He enjoyed a strong season despite dealing with many personal issues off the field including his wife’s cancer diagnosis and the passing of his brother’s wife from ovarian cancer at the age of 30.

Crosby started training camp on the Covid reserve list but has since returned to practice and is participating in all team drills.

His kickoffs are not always consistently deep, but he understands coverage and often places the ball well. He also handles the tricky winds and tough late-season conditions at Lambeau Field which makes him even more valuable to the Packers.

Crosby is expected to enjoy another solid season for the Packers.

Punter: JK Scott

Scott is entering his third season with the Packers. The former Alabama star has a very strong leg but needs to be more consistent.

Last season, Scott averaged 44.0 yards per punt. He had some outstanding games including Week 1 against the Bears where his punts made a big difference in field position in a 10-3 Green Bay win.

But Scott also endured a midseason slump for about four games before recovering late in the season. He finished the season with 29 punts placed inside the 20 while recording only four touchbacks.

If Scott can be more consistent, he can establish himself as the Packers punter for years to come.

Return Specialist: Tyler Ervin

The Packers were on the way to a record for fewest punt return yards in a season before they signed Ervin for the final four games of 2019. The former San Jose State star gave the return game an immediate boost of energy and restored credibility to the position.

Ervin has the ability to make people miss and is always a threat to make a solid return. He averaged 9.6-yards per punt return for the Packers last season and 26.7-yards per kickoff return.

It looks like Ervin will be back in 2020. He will likely be the team’s primary return specialist and should also play an increased role in the offense.

The Packers are looking forward to seeing what Ervin can do over the course of an entire season.

Coverage Teams:

Obviously, we won’t know who is playing on Green Bay’s coverage and blocking teams until we see them take the field against Minnesota for Week 1. There will certainly be some roster spots decided by which players can perform better on special teams.

One big improvement the Packers made last season under Mennenga was a reduction in penalties. Green Bay ranked fourth in the league in fewest special teams penalties committed in 2019 and that was a big help for the organization.

The Packers need to improve their special teams coverage and blocking to take this part of their game to the next level.

If the Pack can even become average in this area, they will improve their special teams performance significantly this season and that would add a win or two to their season total.