Celebrating Calais Campbell

Special teams film study can be a challenge – trying to identify blocking responsibilities on kickoff returns, figuring out why a kick came out low, and identifying a punter’s target are all difficult tasks for the average fan. However, Chuck Zodda finds that sometimes a player’s talent on film is so easily identified that it is impossible to ignore. Look no further than veteran defensive end Calais Campbell. His talent? Celebrating field goals.

Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round out of Miami in 2008, Campbell has been a mainstay on the defensive line since his sophomore season. Racking up 440 tackles, 46 sacks, and even two interceptions over the course of his career, his production on defense is unquestioned. But his tape on special teams is truly magical.

Facing the San Francisco 49ers, Campbell shows tremendous length and extension as Chandler Catanzaro’s kick sails through the uprights:

Phenomenal wingspan, good balance, exquisite form.

But the key to any elite-level talent is consistency. It is one thing to be able to execute at a high level once and then never have the skill show up on tape again. But against the San Diego Chargers, Campbell shines again:

In fact, Campbell is nothing if not a model of consistency. He displays remarkable form against the New York Giants as well:

And against the Denver Broncos:

And the St. Louis Rams:

Twice:

Thrice:

He even plays up against elite competition, facing the Seattle Seahawks in this still:

Here, Campbell continues his dominance with his signature pose:

The Rams are undoubtedly one of Campbell’s favorite opponents, as he shows his outstanding execution yet again:

Not one to take a break against the lowly Cleveland Browns, Campbell takes no play off:

Finally, he displays textbook form in a recent game against the Minnesota Vikings:

Sometimes, a lengthy article is necessary to highlight a player’s talent. Here, the film speaks for itself. It’s good.

Follow Chuck on Twitter @ITP_ChuckZ.

Chuck Zodda knows the importance of staying in your lane, how to fake a punt return, thehumanity of punters, proper placekicking technique and the Jets.

All video and images courtesy NFL Game Pass.

Chuck Zodda

Chuck Zodda was a placekicker for Dartmouth College from 2006-2008. After playing on Saturdays, he decided he wanted his Sundays free, which is why he now writes about football on most other days. He is also the only person in the history of video games to create himself as a kicker in every version of Madden that he owns, and is arguably the most athletic kicker in Ivy League history.

The post Celebrating Calais Campbell appeared first on Inside The Pylon.