Patriots’ Jake Bailey earns second AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award

For the second time this season, New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey has earned the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Bailey won the award for his performance in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he punted eight times for 381 yards — with an average of 47.6 yards. Six of those punts landed within the 20-yard line, and three of those landed within the 10-yard line.

Jake Bailey was excellent tonight. Forced the Eagles to start drives on their own 3, 5, 6, 12 and 12-yard lines.

— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) November 18, 2019

The Patriots drafted Bailey in the fifth round this season and trusted him enough to release three-time Super Bowl champion Ryan Allen. By drafting Bailey, Bill Belichick also went against his norm of having a left-footed punter.

Bailey has also had some help from Pro Bowl special teamer’s Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.

Does everyone understand how valuable it is to have a punter that can do this consistently?

All-Pro, Jake Bailey. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/nrpI0lLgn4

— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) November 17, 2019