Philadelphia Eagles particular groups coordinator Michael Clay has agreed to phrases on a multi-year contract extension, in keeping with a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Clay beforehand signed a one-year extension final offseason. On the time, it appeared like a fairly curious transfer for the staff to not solely deliver him again however to provide him a elevate as nicely. Right here’s what we wrote on February 27, 2023:
Sirianni was requested about Clay doubtlessly getting fired throughout his press convention after the season ended. That was hardly a baseless query representing a minority opinion. It stemmed from the Eagles’ particular groups unit being a obtrusive weak point — actually, the ONLY weak point — for a great portion of the 2022 season.
Clay’s group improved in direction of the tip of the yr, as evidenced by a seventh-place completed in weighted particular groups DVOA (which accounts extra for latest efficiency). It ranked fifteenth in general DVOA. In all probability larger than you may anticipate.
That mentioned, the Eagles’ particular groups unit completed on a fairly low notice (to say the least) by permitting the longest punt return in Tremendous Bowl historical past. Kadarius Toney’s 65-yard scamper set the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs up with a five-yard landing drive to go up 35 to 27 with 9:22 remaining within the fourth quarter.
And getting again to the respectable DVOA end, it’s price noting that the rating was constructive largely as a consequence of Jake Elliott’s efficiency on discipline objectives and kickoffs. Elliott had already established himself as a great participant earlier than Clay arrived in 2021. One might level out that Elliott rebounded from a nasty yr in 2020 beneath Clay. However particular groups high quality management Tyler Brown, whose father is a longtime NFL kicking coach, in all probability deserves extra credit score in that space than a former NFL linebacker who grew to become a particular groups coordinator.
Additional, the Eagles ranked very poorly by different particular groups evaluations. Professional Soccer Focus graded Clay’s unit tied for twenty ninth out of 32 groups. Rick Gosselin’s annual particular groups rankings had the Eagles thirty first.
Whereas the 2023 Eagles regressed in a lot of methods, they did enhance on particular groups. That a lot was obvious from the attention take a look at however it’s additionally backed up by some numbers:
1st in particular groups DVOA
fifth in Professional Soccer Focus grading
tenth in Rick Gosselin’s particular groups rankings
The Eagles had the most effective kickers within the NFL with Jake Elliott profitable three NFC Particular Groups Participant of the Week awards previous to being chosen AP second-team All-Professional.
They bought a lot better at punter (hat tip to Howie Roseman) with Braden Mann rating eighth in punter EPA. Clearly an improve on Arryn Siposs.
Britain Covey was arguably the very best punt returner within the NFL. He led the league in whole punt return yards and essentially the most punt return yards over anticipated in 2023.
Different notable particular groups highlights embrace Jalen Carter blocking a discipline aim within the win over the Buffalo Payments and Mann finishing a pretend punt move to Olamide Zaccheaus (albeit in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys).
Heck, even lengthy snapper Rick Lovato had a compelled fumble!
And so it’s clear this time round why the Eagles wish to retain Clay.
To a bigger level, Clay’s success is an instance of a staff giving a coach grace paying off. Maybe that’ll be the case with Sirianni in 2024. Too dangerous for Brian Johnson that he didn’t get that sort of second likelihood.
