Stanford Football: 5 reasons why Cardinal will stink in 2017

4. Stanford’s return game won’t help out with field position

Honestly, McCaffrey had already slipped somewhat as a return man. His average on kickoff returns fell by more than six yards from 2015 to 2016 as opponents prepared for his skill set. Teams consciously kicked away from McCaffrey, diminishing his chances to return the ball. Thus Stanford ranked dead last in kickoff return average.

The loss of McCaffrey means the Cardinal will get a few more chances to make returns. But the loss of McCaffrey also means that whoever returns the ball will not be quite as dynamic a threat. Bryce Love has been great in a relief role at running back, but how will he handle the increased workload in the backfield along with return duties? The same can be asked of Jay Tyler, who will see increased snaps at receiver as well as on punts.

Even if the pair manage to replicate McCaffrey’s numbers of the past few years, there is another issue. That is the matter of return defense. Last year Stanford’s coverage teams produced middling results. Allowing over 20 yards per kickoff, the Cardinal ranked 59th in kick return defense. On punts, they ranked 63rd in the FBS in average return yards allowed.

Already fighting an uphill battle against the Washington schools in the North, every yard will matter for the Cardinal in 2017. But special teams aren’t going to stink any less without McCaffrey on the team than they did in 2016.