Falcons close to setting special teams record
December 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Falcons punter Michael Koenen and the coverage unit are close to setting an NFL record for fewest punt return yards allowed in a season.
The 1991 Buffalo Bills set the mark with 53 yards.
Buffalo punter Chris Mohr used great hang-time on his punts, which were covered by former special teams Pro Bowler Steve Tasker.
Koenen has punted 48 times this season and just 15 have been returned for only 26 yards, 28 yards under the record. Koenen's punts have led to 20 fair catches, most of which were covered by Antoine Harris, who suffered a groin injury and was placed on injury reserved Tuesday.
Koenen has also placed 21 punts inside the 20-yard line and has just three touchbacks.
With Harris out, cornerback David Irons will likely fill his role.
The Falcons punt coverage unit will be tested on Sunday by Tampa Bay's Clifton Smith. He was the top punt returner coming out of college last season with a 17.1 career average at Fresno State.
Smith made the Bucs practice squad after being an undrafted free agent. He was moved to the roster after seven weeks. He had a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown against Detroit and took back a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against Kansas City. Smith had a team-record 259 return yards against Kansas City."
Link
Calendar
