After getting drafted in 2019, fifth-round punter Jake Bailey has been nothing short of outstanding for the New England Patriots.
He’s was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice in his rookie season and he averages 45.3 yards per punt. The Patriots were able to justifiably drop six-year veteran punter Ryan Allen for the up-and-coming standout punter.
Bailey had another incredible performance on Monday night while playing against the Kansas City Chiefs. His three punts traveled 51, 47 and 48 yards — pinning the Chiefs within the 15-yard line every time.
While joining WEEI’s “Ordway, Merloni & Fauria” on Tuesday, Bill Belichick spoke in further depth about Bailey.
“That’s an excellent observation,” Belichick said, transcribed by NESN. “He took those two explosive players — Hardman and Hill — out of the game. We almost had a turnover on the punt that they weren’t able to handle — well, there were a couple they weren’t able to handle.
“But he did an excellent job of not only hitting for distance but placing the ball. It was kind of a tough wind there (Monday) night; it was a crosswind and had a little bit of gust to it, as well. So it was not the easiest conditions to kick or catch in in the punting game.”
Bailey handled the tough conditions and Belichick didn’t miss that.
“But you’re right, Jake was a weapon,” Belichick said. “He really came through for us (Monday) night.”
The Patriots’ special teams and defense came through in a big way on Sunday, now the team waits for Cam Newton to return and put some points on the board.
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