There were other things that contributed to Miami’s late-season collapse, but special teams cannot be overlooked. In the fourth quarter of Week 17, Deonte Harty changed the tide with a 96-yard punt return touchdown for the Buffalo Bills. One week later, Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill opened the second half with a 78-yard kickoff return.
Rick Gosselin, a longtime NFL writer, rates each team’s special teams unit, with the Miami Dolphins placed 31st in 2023. Danny Crossman, the special teams coach, hopes that former Buffalo Bills cornerback Siran Neal may help turn the tide.
“Just getting the opportunity to come down and talk to Danny about everything, he was more excited to have me than I’ve ever seen before,” Neal said of his choice to join with Miami. “When I walked through the door, his face brightened up. That’s what he did as soon as I got in the door. I know he noticed me and was glad to see me. He used all of his willpower to have me. “That’s something I enjoyed about it.”When I saw that, I knew if he would go to war for me, when it was time for kickoff or the season to begin, or even during OTAs when we had to report back, I’d do whatever it took to fight for him.”
Danny Crossman became the Dolphins’ special teams coordinator in 2019 after six seasons with the Bills. He has been the special teams coordinator for 19 of his 31 seasons coaching the squad.
“I had Danny my rookie year when I came in with Buffalo,” Neal went on to say. “Danny is a passionate coach as well. He truly enjoys the game. He enjoys being a coach and cares deeply about his players. That’s one thing Danny and I have done throughout the years: we’ve stayed in contact and maintained a tight friendship throughout the process.
“Every time we played him, like I told him yesterday, I just wanted to make him smile and see what he’d say at the end of the game. That was one of the secrets I kept. I knew every time I played him, he’d give me his all, and I’d give him mine.”
Neal, 29, was released in early March as the Bills sought to free salary cap space. Last season, the six-year veteran played 80 percent of Buffalo’s special teams snaps. He inked a one-year contract with the Dolphins that includes a nearly $2 million cap charge.
“One thing I know is special teams is really huge when it comes to the NFL games,” Neal said in a statement. “Special teams can win or lose games. That is the only thing I know about it. And this applies to every phase. “Like pinning the ball where it needs to be so that the offense or defense can be successful.”
