[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=none image=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
It seems that every phase of the Kansas City Chiefs team hit its stride at the same time in recent weeks. Even punter Tommy Townsend ended up receiving a major accolade, winning the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month Award for November after all his efforts in pinning opponents deep when the Chiefs offense stalled.
Dave Toub, one of the most respected members of the NFL’s special teams community, gave high praise to the second-year punter in his Thursday press conference. Toub was clearly over the moon about the honor bestowed on Townsend, saying that what he accomplished last month was among the most impressive feats he has ever witnessed.
“Really great, really, really, great news this morning hearing that,” He said. “Well deserved, I mean when you go back and look at the month that he had, it’s by far the best performance by a punter that I’ve ever had as a coach. It was really, really good numbers, and it was good to see him do it week after week. He had a really good week and then he followed it up with three more weeks so very proud of him and the unit.”
As impressive as Townsend’s leg has been, the veteran coordinator knows that winning the field position battle is a group effort, and commended the gunners in punt coverage for maximizing every opportunity they were given.
“The gunners have played excellent for him,” Toub explained, “(Chris) Lammons and (Marcus) Kemp are doing a great job covering kicks. Sometimes they’re not perfect kicks, but they go down there and make a great play for him and keep his net up so it’s a team effort. Tommy would be the first one to tell you that.”
Townsend definitely benefitted from the play of all other members of the special teams unit. Six of his 10 total punts in November landed inside and were downed within the 20-yard line. He averaged a whopping 54.9 yards per punt with a 50.7 net yards per punt, with a booming long of 68 yards en route to the monthly award. He also had the fake punt against the Raiders, resulting in a 16-yard reception by Marcus Kemp.
While fans certainly hope his role is limited moving forward, Townsend’s ability to help Kansas City in a multitude of ways will only serve to help them win games moving forward. His Player of the Month recognition is a sign that the NFL has officially taken notice of his unique skillset from one of the most underrated positions in the game of football.
[listicle id=111549]