New England Patriots Benefitting from Clutch Special Teams Play
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The mark of a great team is the ability to produce in all three phases of the game: on offense, defense and special teams. Bill Belichick harps on that notation every week and of late, the New England Patriots, have been benefiting from clutch, game-changing special teams plays.
New York Jets kicker Nick Folk had an opportunity to deliver a dagger late in the fourth-quarter with the game up for the taking. Vince Wilfork and the Patriots field goal block unit marched out to defend the 52-yard attempt.
As Folk stepped into the kick, Wilfork maneuvered his way into the ball’s path, reached a hand toward the sky, and caught a piece of the football. The ball deflected wide left and fell short of the uprights. It was a key play at a key point in what was a very lose-able game for the Patriots.
If Folk had converted on the boot, the Jets would have taken a 19-17 lead with five minutes to play in the fourth. With that said, a comeback would not have been a given considering the Patriots offense had been mired by inconstancy all afternoon and the Jets defense was successfully getting to Tom Brady.
But Wilfork isn’t the only one who had a big day on special teams. Danny Amendola came through with several spectacular returns. Amendola especially excelled in returning punts. He returned three and averaged 21 yards per return.
More from New England Patriots
- Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
- 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
- Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
- New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
- Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots
Amedola’s best return came in the second-quarter when he broke loose for 39 yards and set New England up with top-notch field position. Brady and the offense took advantage of Amendola’s efforts, finding the end-zone on a touchdown strike to Rob Gronkowski.
The punting performance put forth by Ryan Allen cannot be overlooked either. Allen boomed a total of five punts for 263 yards. He averaged 52.6 yards per punt and connected on a game-long boot of 58 yards. Two of the punts were downed inside the New York’s 20.
Sunday hasn’t been the only display of special teams magnificence. Just last week, Jamie Collins blocked a Dolphins field goal. Kyle Arrington scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown. In the game prior to the win over Miami, Brandon Bolden broke free to block a Chargers punt.
Undoubtedly, the Patriots offense is going to struggle at times. It’s just the way things work. The fact that they’re able to impact the result of games on special teams is huge. Few teams show the ability to do so. Wifork’s block secured a first-round playoff bye. There’s no telling what future contributions on special teams can yield.