The Los Angeles Rams have had their fair share of miscues on special teams this season, but Brandon Powell has been a bright spot in recent weeks. Due to his outstanding efforts against the Minnesota Vikings, Powell was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 16.
Powell finished this past Sunday with two punt returns that resulted in 75 yards, including a 61-yard punt return touchdown that extended Los Angeles’ lead to 20-10 in the third quarter. This marks the first time a player from the Rams has won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week since Week 17 of the 2019 season when Johnny Hekker received the honor.
Powell is the fourth player to win player of the week honors this season, joining Aaron Donald, Taylor Rapp and Matthew Stafford (twice).
Your NFC Special Teams Player of the Week!
Congratulations, Brandon Powell! 👏 pic.twitter.com/T58VOPXLsQ
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 29, 2021
Back in Week 13, Powell was activated from the Rams’ practice squad to provide depth at the wide receiver position and potentially help on special teams. Powell would return his first kickoff for 65 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13, giving him a chance to earn a role on the team.
In his four weeks returning kicks, Powell has totaled 154 yards on five kick returns and 75 yards on three punt returns, plus a touchdown. With the struggles that the special teams unit of the Rams has had this season, it’s a welcomed sight to see Powell making the most of his opportunity.
HUGE 61-yard punt return from Brandon Powell!
BP to the crib for 6️⃣ | 📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/P2P2oKml4h
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 26, 2021
