Jaguars' Special Teams Shine: Cooke, Little, and Matiscik's Star Power!
Explore the latest updates on the Jacksonville Jaguars' special teams as they retain coordinator Heath Farwell and celebrate standout performances from punter Logan Cooke and kicker Cam Little.
Jaguars' Special Teams Shine: Cooke, Little, and Matiscik's Star Power!
The Jacksonville Jaguars are making headlines with their strong commitment to special teams as they gear up for the 2025 NFL season. Under the seasoned guidance of special teams coordinator Heath Farwell, who has been extended for another term, the Jaguars are looking to build on a track record of success that began in 2018. The team has boasted impressive efficiency and productivity in special teams operations, a crucial aspect that often defines the outcome of games.
Punter Logan Cooke, who has become a significant force for the Jaguars, recently signed a four-year contract extension. His consistent performance has not gone unnoticed; Cooke is the last remaining player from his draft class still with the team and boasts the best career net punting average in the NFL at 43.5 yards. Last season, he made waves by finishing first in the AFC and second in the NFL for net punting, with a remarkable average of 44.8 yards per attempt, and his ability to control the game was evident as he tied for fourth place with 34 punts either dead, fair-caught, or held inside the 20-yard line. These achievements led to his first Pro Bowl nomination in 2024, putting him among the elite in his position (Jacksonville.com).
A Promising Kicking Game
Joining Cooke in the spotlight is rookie kicker Cam Little, who quickly set the franchise record for scoring with an impressive total of 108 points. His statistics are astounding—making 27 out of 29 field-goal attempts with a franchise-high percentage of 93.1%. Little’s remarkable leg strength was on display during preseason games, where he flawlessly converted all seven attempts, including a stunning 70-yarder against Pittsburgh (jaguars.com).
Long snapper Ross Matiscik, recognized as an unsung hero, has consistently delivered flawless snaps, contributing to the coverage unit’s success. He tied for first in the NFL since 2020 with 18 special teams tackles, a testament to his reliability and skill in crucial moments. Matiscik’s credentials also include a Pro Bowl nomination and recognition as part of the Associated Press All-Pro Second Team, validating his key role in the team’s overall special teams strategy.
Enhancing the Return Game
The Jaguars are dedicated to strengthening their return game, especially after Parker Washington made headlines with the longest punt return touchdown in the NFL—96 yards against New England last season. However, the departure of certain personnel means the team needs to find a reliable returner. Newcomers such as rookie linebacker Jack Kiser and free-agent Dennis Gardeck may play a vital role in bolstering coverage units, while defensive end Danny Striggow’s potential contributions remain under evaluation.
With the draft class expected to add speed and agility to kick coverage, the Jaguars improved their ranking to 14th in the NFL for both punt return defense and kickoff return defense last season. The future looks bright as the special teams unit aims not only to maintain their high standards but also to elevate their performance even further in 2025 and beyond.
Jaguars‘ All-Time Special Teams Players
As the Jaguars enter their 31st season as an NFL franchise, there’s exciting news on the horizon regarding their all-time special teams players. Fans can participate in voting to recognize the greatest players at every position, including nominees like Cooke for punter and Little as kicker. Previous stars like Mike Hollis, Josh Scobee, and Reggie Barlow represent the rich history the Jaguars have built in special teams, with new talents ready to carve their names in the franchise’s legacy (bigcatcountry.com).
In summary, it’s clear the Jaguars are setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. With a potent mix of new talent and seasoned veterans like Cooke, Little, and Matiscik, fans have a lot to look forward to. The team’s commitment to enhancing their special teams will be instrumental in their journey and could very well lead them to success this year.