One participant stood out above all the remainder in Week 7’s “Monday Night time Soccer” sport between the Rams and the Bears — nevertheless it’s not who you are in all probability considering.
It wasn’t Jared Goff or Nick Foles. It wasn’t Aaron Donald or Khalil Mack. It was Johnny Hekker. Johnny. Freakin’. Hekker.
Hekker had one hell of a efficiency within the Rams’ 24-10 victory, punting 5 occasions for 221 yards (44.2 yards per punt), with all 5 punts touchdown contained in the Bears’ 10-yard line. Two of these punts landed contained in the 5-yard line, together with a 57-yard punt downed on the 1 and a 63-yard bomb that pinned Chicago at its 5.
MORE: Bears vs. Rams rating, outcomes
All night time lengthy, Hekker gave the Rams’ already-stacked protection advantageous discipline place. After his punts, Chicago took over ensuing possessions at its 7-, 10-, 1-, 6- and 5-yard traces. The Bears’ respective drives went as follows: three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out, interception and a turnover on downs.
Former Colts punter — and lively punting fanatic — Pat McAfee was in awe of Hekker’s exhibiting all night time lengthy.
Hekker arrange that whole factor.. pin the bears.. three and out.. assured factors.
That’s complimentary soccer child
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2020
Hekker is just outstanding. What an evening… the punt he simply did was really the primary ever “#ForTheBrand” video on this right here Twitter after I retired.. it really result in a Wall Road Journal article for the large good-looking ball bomber https://t.co/Tt0xDLw4Lu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2020
McAfee wasn’t the one one enamored with Hekker’s punts, as some of us had been joking he must be within the working for MVP.
After I inform individuals Johnny Hekker was the MVP of the 2016 Rams, they generally suppose I am joking.
— Wealthy Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) October 27, 2020
Hekker actually appeared to benefit from the recognition, even getting a nod from LA’s star defensive lineman Aaron Donald in his postgame interview with ESPN.
“The perfect punter within the Nationwide Soccer League,” Donald stated. “Johnny’s constant. He does it each single week, and he was a giant assist for us at this time. He did a tremendous job, he was on fireplace — I believe he deserves a sport ball. He had a hell of a sport.”
“It is simply nice that Aaron Donald is aware of my identify,” Hekker stated after the sport, laughing.
Hekker now leads the NFL with 16 punts downed contained in the 20: one forward of Seahawks punter Michael Dickson. It simply goes to show that the NFC West actually is stacked with nice expertise.
Discussion about this post