Hmmm, not so hot this season is it? Scott O'Brien is the one thing that's changed. Ghost is kicking superbly no question, but the punting and punt returning needs to be fixed and improved big time. The playoffs is where ST really comes to the fore.
I think injuries have played a role.
No I'm not talking about Slater or Edelman.
Yes BB will have "starters" on ST's, but as the injuries on the offense and defense accumulated, fewer and fewer guys have been available for ST's, and/or BB has been less willing to put key guys on ST's to limit the risk.
Amendola as a PR is the poster child for this.
When both he and Edelman are healthy, then the risk vs reward for either one, or both, being out there for a PR is on the reward side since, heaven forbid one gets hurt, you've got the other as a slot receiver.
With Edelman out, and Amendola not quite at 100%, the risk vs reward to have Amendola out there for PR probably slides to the risk side.
So much you try other options, based on practice performance, and only shift away from that if evidence suggests the alternative can't get it done.
Of course, this same analysis happens for every spot on ST's. The blockers and the non gunners on the punt team only show up if they don't get the job done, so I doubt many people are aware of just who those guys are and how much juggling has gone on there this year.
IIRC, Reiss listed the various combinations of the punt team OL prior to the punt block by the Eagles, and they'd had a bunch of combos through the year, mostly due to adjustments on the roster.
No excuse, the guys need to do their job, but when comparing this year to the past, I don't think one can simply point to the coach and say that's the only reason.
IMHO, the trickle down effect of injuries plays a role.