I cannot believe the sentence that I am about to write. The Packers special teams have been good so far this season. Yes there have been lowlights but there have been more highlights from the unit in 2022. One player that has been on fire is punter Pat O’Donnell. On Sunday, Packers punter Pat O’Donnell made history.
Packer Pat O’Donnell Makes History
Punter appreciation post! 👏@PatODonnell_16’s five punts inside the 20 tied for the most by a Green Bay punter in a game (since 1976).#GBvsTB | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/sAW7VPB2MO
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 26, 2022
The offense had some troubles in the second half. They had trouble moving the ball and this caused the Packers to have to punt a lot. Pat O’Donnell did his job. He constantly flipped the field and put the defense in positions to succeed. O’Donnell put his name in the Packers history books on Sunday. He had five punts inside the 20 which ties the record for most in a game. This may not seem like a huge feat but it was in a game like this. Tampa Bay never got great field position because of O’Donnell’s play.
Another Great Free Agent Signing
In the past couple of years, the Packers have signed some sneaky good free agents. De’Vondre Campbell became an All-Pro. Rasul Douglas has become a Packers top corner. Pat O’Donnell looks like another free agent gem. In the first three games, he has pinned opponents deep in their own territory. It is no wonder that the Packers are not allowing teams to score a lot of points. Every point is earned as opposing offenses have to drive the length of the field.
Special Teams Overall Looks Better This Season
Pat O’Donnell made Packers history today but the unit as a whole looks better. The tackling on punt returns has been better. They are not wasting good punts by O’Donnell by letting opponents run it back for 20 yards. Amari Rodgers has had his struggles but hasn’t been a negative. Mason Crosby looks to be back in form though he has not been called on a lot in the first three games (which is good and bad). If the Packers special teams can be an asset rather than a liability, it would be huge.
It is awesome to see Pat O’Donnell make Packers history. As a Packers fan, it is great not to have an anxiety attack every time the punt unit comes out onto the field. Pat O’Donnell has been a huge reason for the special teams unit resurgence.
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