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Johnny Hekker named ESPN's punter of the week
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12857/johnny-hekker-named-espns-punter-of-the-week
Each week, Mark Simon of ESPN Stats & Information chooses a punter of the week based on that week's efforts. This week, the choice was rather obvious as Simon opted for St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker.
Hekker earned the acknowledgement in a way unusual for many but not for the former high school quarterback. But Hekker's late-game completion to running back Benny Cunningham for a first down to help seal the Rams' win actually overshadowed a pretty good day kicking the ball, too.
Here's Simon's explanation for choosing Hekker:
Hekker, last year’s punter of the year, earned the award not just for his 18-yard throw on a fake punt from his own 18 with the Rams clinging to a two-point lead with 2:55 remaining, but also for his punting.
Hekker averaged 48 yards per punt, the third-highest average this week. The Seahawks' average post-punt field position was their own 18, the third worst for any team against a punter this week.
Hekker had a clutch punt, too -- a 41-yarder on the first play of the fourth quarter that pinned the Seahawks back on their own 9.
Simon selected Hekker as last year's punter of the year after Hekker set an NFL record for net punting. To this point in the season, the Rams hadn't enjoyed that same success though Hekker had mostly been solid punting aside from a blocked attempt in Philadelphia.
Hekker's net average this season is 41.62 yards per attempt, which ranks 10th in the NFL. But Hekker's value goes beyond his right leg. For his passing career, Hekker is now 4-of-5 for 60 yards and a touchdown in two-plus seasons. That's good for a passer rating of 156.2.
None of those completions were more important than Sunday's, though.
"Get him the ball," Hekker said about the pass to Cunningham. "It’s a little bit nerve racking how wide open he is. So you know as a punter to get your opportunity, you better put it on the money or those opportunities are going to start fading away back into the backdrop. Just making sure you complete the ball, that’s all you’ve got to do."
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12857/johnny-hekker-named-espns-punter-of-the-week
Each week, Mark Simon of ESPN Stats & Information chooses a punter of the week based on that week's efforts. This week, the choice was rather obvious as Simon opted for St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker.
Hekker earned the acknowledgement in a way unusual for many but not for the former high school quarterback. But Hekker's late-game completion to running back Benny Cunningham for a first down to help seal the Rams' win actually overshadowed a pretty good day kicking the ball, too.
Here's Simon's explanation for choosing Hekker:
Hekker, last year’s punter of the year, earned the award not just for his 18-yard throw on a fake punt from his own 18 with the Rams clinging to a two-point lead with 2:55 remaining, but also for his punting.
Hekker averaged 48 yards per punt, the third-highest average this week. The Seahawks' average post-punt field position was their own 18, the third worst for any team against a punter this week.
Hekker had a clutch punt, too -- a 41-yarder on the first play of the fourth quarter that pinned the Seahawks back on their own 9.
Simon selected Hekker as last year's punter of the year after Hekker set an NFL record for net punting. To this point in the season, the Rams hadn't enjoyed that same success though Hekker had mostly been solid punting aside from a blocked attempt in Philadelphia.
Hekker's net average this season is 41.62 yards per attempt, which ranks 10th in the NFL. But Hekker's value goes beyond his right leg. For his passing career, Hekker is now 4-of-5 for 60 yards and a touchdown in two-plus seasons. That's good for a passer rating of 156.2.
None of those completions were more important than Sunday's, though.
"Get him the ball," Hekker said about the pass to Cunningham. "It’s a little bit nerve racking how wide open he is. So you know as a punter to get your opportunity, you better put it on the money or those opportunities are going to start fading away back into the backdrop. Just making sure you complete the ball, that’s all you’ve got to do."
