New England Patriots: Selecting All-Decade team 2010-2020

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski has been the New England Patriots kicker since 2006, and in the 2010s alone he converted on 88.2% of his field goal attempts and 97.8% of his extra point attempts. In the playoffs, his field goal percentage stayed the exact same and his extra point percentage dipped to 94.4%.

Honorable Mentions: None

Punter: Ryan Allen

Ryan Allen was the Patriots’ punter from 2013-2018. While it’s nice he had a long stay in New England, Allen’s real claim to fame is his performance in Super Bowl 53. Out of Allen’s five punts in that game, three of them were downed inside the Los Angeles Rams’ 10 yard-line.

Honorable Mentions: None

Kick Returner: Brandon Tate

If you don’t remember this guy or straight up forgot that he exists then I don’t blame you in the slightest. The Patriots have always had a different kick returner each year, and usually the responsibility isn’t confined to one player. Brandon Tate earns the kick returner spot due to his 2010 season, in which he returned 41 kicks for 1,057 yards and two touchdowns.

Honorable Mentions: Cordarrelle Patterson 

Punt Returner: Julian Edelman

Edelman’s second appearance on this list comes as a punt returner. Edelman has 1,923 yards and has scored four touchdowns as a punt returner this decade.

Honorable Mentions: None

Gunner: Matthew Slater

Matthew Slater has been recognized as one of the best pure special teamers ever. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler as a gunner and has been an All-Pro as well.

Honorable Mentions: None

The New England Patriots have had some incredible talent over the years, but all of these players have proven to be a notch above the rest. Here’s to another decade of dominance.