Cardinals’ Punter Blake Gillikin Earns NFC Special Teams Player of the Week Honors
The Arizona Cardinals’ punter, Blake Gillikin, has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against the Chicago Bears ¹ ² ³. This recognition comes after Gillikin’s impressive showing in Week 9, where he averaged 46.8 yards per punt, with three of his four kicks being downed inside the 20-yard line.
*Gillikin’s Key Plays*
One of the most crucial plays of the game was Gillikin’s punt in the fourth quarter, which was downed inside the 1-yard line by Joey Blount. This set the stage for the Cardinals to force a safety two plays later, showcasing Gillikin’s strategic importance to the team [1).
*Coach Jonathan Gannon’s Praise*
Cardinals’ coach Jonathan Gannon praised Gillikin’s performance, stating, “I thought guys starred in their role. Blake, I thought, was really good.” Gannon also emphasized Gillikin’s value as a “weapon” for the team, highlighting his ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory ¹.
*Gillikin’s Season Statistics*
Gillikin has been consistently strong this season, averaging 49.4 yards on 29 punts. His performance against the Bears was a standout, but he has been a reliable asset for the Cardinals’ special teams unit throughout the year ¹.
This accolade is a testament to Gillikin’s hard work and dedication to his craft. As the Cardinals move forward in the season, Gillikin’s contributions will undoubtedly remain crucial to the team’s success.
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