Adam’s Awards: Special Teams Player Of The Year
Ryan Longwell seems to be one of those strange anomalies that keeps getting better with age. Longwell had a Pro Bowl season, despite what voters thought of David Akers, and has done nothing short of define the word “consistency” for the Vikings special teams.
Longwell has managed 92.9% accuracy on field goals this season which was a career high, including nailing both of his attempts from beyond 50 yards.
He also had the third best season of his 13-season career by averaging 63.7 yards per kickoff. Also, he was 54 of 55 on extra points.
Take away a breakdown on the line on special teams which led to a field goal block and an extra point block, and Longwell would have only missed one kick all year. The guy has been “money” all year and a big reason for the Vikings scoring more points than 30 other NFL teams this season.
This post has 4 comments
January 6th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Good one Dubs! He’s really overlooked. My favorite of your choices so far!
January 6th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Good choice Dubs. Did you consider Sanford or Onotalu? Not sure about spelling there
January 6th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
A kicker is either a hero or a zero at times.
Ryan Longwell is over 9/10 times a hero, Can’t argue that pick Adam.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Brad Childress downplayed any potential change in starter at the strong safety position, it was interesting that rookie Jamarca Sanford replaced Tyrell Johnson in the third series of the Viking’ victory over the Giant on Sunday and that the two players both saw time at the position.
Johnson has had issues with his tackling at times this season and the Viking like the fact that Sanford has established himself as a hard-hitter on special teams