Miami Dolphins fire special teams coach
A mere 12 hours after the Miami Dolphins were ripped apart 41-14 by the New England Patriots on Monday night, the Dolphins have fired their special teams coach John Bonamego.
If ever there was a time to point the finger at one particular area it would have to have been the Dolphins special teams who were victimized by the Patriots for a blocked punt, which the Patriots offence
converted into seven points, a blocked field goal leading to a touchdown, and a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Brandon Tate.
Bonamego's assistant, Darren Rizzi, will step in as the team's replacement.
Bonamego had been in place as the team's special teams coordinator ever since head coach Tony Sparano took over in 2008.
"It's a hard decision to make," Sparano said. "I know how hard this guy works. Nobody works harder than him at what he does."
Sparano has confidence that Rizzi can get the job done and shore up the holes in the team's special teams.
"He’s a very smart guy who has his own way of doing things," Sparano said. "He’ll have his own spin on the special teams area. It’s important that we have some continuity there and fix the problems."
The Dolphins are currently ranked last in just about every special teams category including punting and kickoff coverage, and are ranked 25th in kickoff returns.
Sparano suggested that a change of special teams personnel may be in order to turn things around, "I want my core players to play better on special teams," he said. "If we need to put some starters out
there, then we will."
The Dolphins will have a chance to breathe and get used to the change as they enter their bye week. Their special teams unit will get its first test at turning things around in week 6 when the Dolphins
travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers.
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