New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey and punt returner Gunner Olszewski earned AP First-Team All-Pro honors for the 2020 season.
The Patriots’ strongest and most consistent group this season was the special teams unit and Bailey had a lot to do with it. Matthew Slater was the only other Patriot to earn the honors and he was named Second-Team All-Pro — his sixth time collecting these prestigious honors.
Bailey was the NFL-leading player in net yards per punt (45.6 yards) and punts inside the 20 percentage (56.4 percent). The Patriots allowed the second-fewest punt yards per return (71) and Bailey was fourth in gross punt average (48.7 yards).
Olszewski, who had an incredible season, led the NFL in punt return average (17.3 yards), punt returns (1) and punt return yards (346). His breakout game was against the Los Angeles Chargers — where he scored the punt return and his first receiving touchdown.
Jake Bailey (punter) and Gunner Olszewski (punt returner) earn Associated Press All-Pro honors.
Bailey's 45.6 yard net is the second best in NFL history.
Olszewski's punt return average (17.3) is the second best in the NFL since 1970 (minimum of 20 returns). https://t.co/iY3dJVTp2r
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 8, 2021
J.C. Jackson will widely be considered a snub, as he was with Pro Bowl honors.
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