Johnny Hekker has another big week/Wagoner

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RamBill

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Johnny Hekker has another big week
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/14048/johnny-hekker-has-another-big-week

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Quietly, St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker is putting together another strong season after another excellent performance this past Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Hekker didn't win ESPN's Punter of the Week honor for his week in San Diego but he came pretty close on his way to honorable mention. Mark A. Simon summed up Hekker's candidacy like this:

"Hekker not only averaged 44.5 yards on four unreturned punts, he had another successful fake punt late in the Rams' loss to the Chargers, a pass to Stedman Bailey that netted a first down.

Hekker is now 5-for-6 with 79 yards and a touchdown when passing in his career. All five completions have gone for first downs."

Hekker's completion to Bailey wasn't just a wobbling duck to an open receiver. It was a perfectly thrown and well-timed pass that kept the Rams' hopes alive in the fourth quarter. It's an ability that few other punters in the league have and makes Hekker a unique weapon for St. Louis.

After last year's breakout season ended with All-Pro honors and a trip to the Pro Bowl, Hekker is again putting together the type of season that could end in Hawaii.

Hekker is sixth in the league in net punting with an average of 41.87 yards per attempt. That's below his record-breaking pace of last season but still a top-level performance. Hekker is also seventh in total points added on punts and punt returns at 11.84.

The Rams aren't flush with players who are in the discussion for best at their position, but it's clear once again that Hekker belongs among the best punters in the league for the second consecutive season.
 

LesBaker

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Kickers and punters are often the butt of jokes in the macho NFL.

Yeah. Until there is no time on the clock and you need 3 to win or have a tentative lead and a drive stalled late in the 4th and you need to pin the other team deep. Then the jokes stop and it's serious biz.

If the Patriots didn't have a kicker they wouldn't have a single ring. Chew on that eh LOL.
 
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Legatron4

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I think Hekker ends up being the 2nd punter to go to the hall of fame. That would be so cool.
 

RaminExile

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He did have one pretty bad punt that gave SD good field position if I recall but apart from that the guy is gold. What a stud. Should go to Hawaii again this year and like Legatron says - would be great if he keeps it up through his (hopefully long with the Rams) career and goes to Canton one day.
 

Ramrasta

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From what I have seen, he is the best punter and QB on the team. He stays calm in rough situations, continually produces above average performances, and gives this team second chances to win. How can you ask for more from a guy who only sees the field on fourth downs?
 

LesBaker

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From what I have seen, he is the best punter and QB on the team. He stays calm in rough situations, continually produces above average performances, and gives this team second chances to win. How can you ask for more from a guy who only sees the field on fourth downs?

And in pressure packed situations!

His footwork and release are awesome LOL.
 

DeaconJ

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Put him in, Coach!! He's ready to play....today!!
 
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Boffo97

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In other news, sun to rise in east tomorrow...