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Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski Adds Another AFC Special Teams Award

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen (6) holds the ball for kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen (6) holds the ball for kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski has added another AFC weekly award to his mantle.

It has already been a memorable NFL season for New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski.  The usually reliable kicker has had games where he has struggled mixed in with games where he has been his usual self.  His latest game has earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

In the 26-10 beat down of the Los Angeles Rams, Gostkowski went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, three of which were from 40 yards or longer.  The performance marked the 11th career game in which Gostkowski has nailed at least four field goals.  He was also a perfect 2-for-2 on extra point attempts, an area where he has not been so reliable.

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Most importantly for the Patriots, the opportunity to kick four field goals and make those attempts could be what Gostkowski needs to put him back on track and into the reliable veteran kicker the team and fans have grown accustomed to.

Following the game Sunday, Gostkowski was asked if the game was a catalyst for him to get his stride back.

"“It’s a start, it’s one game,” Gostkowski said. “You just got to battle, keep your head down, stay humble and have faith in the process that what you’ve been doing is going to continue.”"

While Stephen Gostkowski has been tough on himself all season long, his coaches and teammates continue to have confidence in him.  Following the Jets game, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman praised his kicker and said a key to him getting things right is letting him know his teammates is behind him.

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"“You just let him know you’re behind him and let him keep working,” Edelman said via WEEI.  “He’ll get through it. Steve, he’s made too many big time kicks in big time situations. He’s made a lot of key plays for us on our team since I’ve been here, so I have full confidence and faith he will keep working and get through this.”"

It looks as though Gostkowski has worked his way through it, which is crucial for a team that may have to kick more field goals with the absence of Rob Gronkowski in the offense.

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Want to keep up to date on Stephen Gostkowski and the New England Patriots?  Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.

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