Not defending or excoriating Blackburn because I simply don't know:
Does he have any say in aquiring ST spcialists, or is the ST unit just a place to stash emergency subs? Bones was able to lobby for the guys he wanted on ST's, and got them. With Blackburn it's too early to tell. He han't been here long enough to say, "I want these guys!"
Is Blackburn getting the practice reps with his units that he needs? I know of other ST coaches that were fired because, simply, the HC hung them out to dry. Martz whiffed like this on one. Bobby April, one of the very best, couldn't get the reps he needed in Arizona, his units faltered, his players approached upper management on his behalf, and he was dumped by Martz anyway. He went on to an award-winning career.
What does Blackburn's ST chart look like, week to week? Is there continuity, does he have the best players at the best spots, are starters allowed to play ST's? If so, who and how often, and where? I'm not advocating for Puka to be the return man, but it's not uncommon for DB's to play on coverage and return units, etc.
I'd want to be real sure that Blackburn had the tools he needed and time enough to make them work before saying for sure he wasn't doing the job. He can only do as much of the job as he is given authority and support to do. And all of that seems to lie pretty deep in the weeds. McVay opts to keep him, is he also giving him the tools he needs to succeed?
Simple and best answer is we don't know.
