After losing some critical pieces to the team this offseason there was some question as to could the Saints fill their roles? The role of Janoris Jenkins has been filled, the role of Emmanuel Sanders could potentially be filled at WR 2 once Thomas comes back, Thomas Morestead’s role was filled, but I wanna talk about two players who have stepped up and filled the roles of guys who left.
Unlike most audience’s, I love watching special teams and get excited watching it. So when a guy like Justin Hardee who is one of the best gunners and special teams players in the league left the Saints that left me concerned for the punt game. The Saints still have all pro gunner J.T. Gray, but someone has to make a play on the opposite side when he’s double teamed, and that guy has been Ty Montgomery.
Montgomery, whose main position is receiver, has been an absolute stud at gunner and kickoff. He’s tied third in the league for the most special teams tackles with three solo tackles, two assists and was credited with five total tackles on special teams. According to PFF he’s on pace to have an all pro season as a special teams player, at the gunner position specifically. He landed on their first quarter of the season all pro team as a special teams player which is outstanding.
What has made Montgomery so successful on special teams this year has been his release. His ability to beat his man in one-on-one situations in punt has been key to his play. His first step allows him to always get an outside release and turn the blockers hips. Once their hips are turned Montgomery can either beat them with his speed, or depending on the punt undercut the blocker and cut it inside and go make the play. This also plays a role in his closing speed. Another thing to point out is his awareness and football IQ. He just makes smart plays and you don’t see him make many mistakes on special teams. He’ll take out the lead blocker which allows other guys to make the tackle, so in essence he made the play and just didn’t get credited.
Montgomery has also been a receiver for Winston while also being the emergency running back and can play a flex role for the offense. He totaled 5 receptions for 50 yards with two rushes for 7 yards through five games this season.
Film Review
I broke down his five tackles on film, but some of the plays didn’t have the all 22 coaches film so I did the best I could.
Play One
Ty Montgomery on this kickoff starts off as the second guy to the right of Blake Gillikin who is kicking off. He gets a good release with no false step and is the first defender down there. He takes out the middle blocker of Washington’s return wedge, which allows other defenders to get to the returner easier. He contains both the inside and the outside which would allow him to make a tackle whether the returner goes inside or outside.
Play two
Ty Montgomery, who is the gunner at the top of the screen, does a good job getting an outside release against one-on-one punt coverage. Looks like the play call was to punt it right based off the way J.T. Gray released inside. Montgomery simply just outruns his guy and does a good job of breaking down in front of the returner to prevent him from hitting open field and hits him low and makes a great play. Props to Blake Gillikin as well for the booming punt.
Play 3
This play isn’t as big as the previous one but still is impressive. Montgomery takes an outside release which almost takes him out of the play due to the punt being more in the middle. He does a good job of undercutting the block and going inside before the returner catches the punt and uses his closing speed and good pursuit to make the tackle.
Play 4
It’s hard to tell what happens during the first part of this play but Montgomery does get double teamed and takes an outside release. The punt is short and as the returner is yelling “PETER” (which means get out of the way) Montgomery pushes the blocker into the returner which causes the momentary fumble and almost got the recovery. Just an overall high IQ football play from Montgomery.
Play 5
Hard to see what’s happening here at first, looks like Montgomery took more of an outside release but while running towards the middle of the field, does a good job of undercutting the blocker as the returner catches the punt. Uses his closing speed and pursuit to make the tackle.
Plays 6
The guy blocking Montgomery plays five yards back prior to the snap, Montgomery uses his speed and gets the defenders hips turned at an awkward angle and Montgomery burns him. He plays smart after seeing the fair catch and runs inside the five and turns around ready for the ball to bounce. The ball bounced and Montgomery downed it inside the 5.
Play 7
Montgomery does a good job of getting an outside release and turning the defenders hips. Once their fully rotated he undercuts the defender and pursues to the ball. Does a good job getting in somewhat on the tackle.
Written By Kadin Janisch
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