Peyton Manning and Pat McAfee Shine Spotlight on Punting Tactics in New ESPN+ Episode

Peyton Manning and Pat McAfee Dive Deep Into Punting's Lost Art

Not many football fans spend their Sundays analyzing punts, but Peyton Manning seems intent on changing that. On the latest episode of Peyton's Places, released by Omaha Productions on ESPN+, Manning enlists former teammate and All-Pro punter Pat McAfee to shine a light on a piece of football strategy that's quietly slipped into the background: the coffin corner kick.

The episode's title, 'Coffin Corner,' hints at the vanished magic of pinning an opponent down near their own goal line with a perfectly placed punt. For years, this skill was seen as a secret weapon—nowadays, analytics and evolving special teams play have made it almost a lost art. Manning, no stranger to football tactics after years leading the Colts, brings McAfee in to break down the intricacies for viewers who might have missed the coffin corner’s golden days.

The chemistry between Manning and McAfee is hard to miss. These two have history with the Indianapolis Colts, but you’d think they were just a pair of old friends talking shop. McAfee, now better known for his high-energy sports media presence, takes a step back onto the field for some hands-on lessons. He demonstrates the rugby-style punt—a move designed to keep the offense guessing—and explains how trying to nail a ball down within a 10-yard sliver stretching along the sideline is way harder than it looks on TV.

Why Punting Techniques Matter More Than You Think

This isn't just nostalgia. The episode digs into the technical challenge punters face: forcing a returner into a fair catch at the edge, keeping the opposing team bottled up. McAfee offers sharp explanations, and Manning does what he’s always done—bring big-game drama to even the smallest moments. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at drills, strategy, and the mental gymnastics that go into what might look like a simple kick.

An interesting thread throughout the show is McAfee’s career evolution. He jokes about swapping game-day cleats for a microphone, but it’s clear his passion for the specialist role remains. The episode even slips in stories of McAfee lobbying for more spotlight on punting, finally convincing Manning (and the show’s producers) to dedicate time to the subject. For anyone who wonders why coaches care so much about field position, the duo spells it out with a mix of data, on-field trials, and trademark banter.

*Peyton’s Places,* crafted by Omaha Productions—a company co-founded by Manning—is not your typical sports show. This season continues blending football history, quirky moments, and a love of the game’s little details. With this latest installment, it’s clear why Manning’s steady hand and McAfee’s high-voltage enthusiasm make for unmissable TV. And for one episode, at least, punting isn’t just a way to pass the ball—it’s the center of attention.