Brenden Schooler credits his blocked punt to one Patriots legend after Sunday's loss to Dolphins
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – "That's our secret weapon." This is what New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said about special teams prior to Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. And he wasn't kidding. Despite the struggles on both offense and defense, special teams has (for the most part) been very consistent. And they came up […]
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – "That's our secret weapon."
This is what New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said about special teams prior to Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
And he wasn't kidding.
Despite the struggles on both offense and defense, special teams has (for the most part) been very consistent. And they came up with some big plays that gave the Patriots the chance to win.
Specifically, Brenden Schooler blocked a punt in the second quarter, giving New England the ball on the Dolphins 23 yard line.
A to Z Sports caught up with the special teams star exclusively after the game, and he explained what went into that play.
"I think our coaches came up with a great scheme," Schooler said. "And if it wasn't for Dell and JaMycal lined up inside me, drawing those guys inside, I think think I would be able to get there."
He remained very humble, always giving his teammates credit.
And with that, he also gave credit to one Patriots legend because that's who he learned this particular skill from.
"But also huge shoutout to Matt (Slater) because I've seen him block three or four punts in his career like that. And so being able to watch it on film and seeing that how that works… Just stick a hand out where the punter's punting," Schooler explained. "So huge, huge shout out to him, to the coaches, and the other 10 guys on the field, because without them, I would't be able to be successful."
Last year against the Dolphins, Schooler blocked a field goal. And on Sunday, he blocked a punt.
Something about him vs. Miami that just works.
But despite his incredible effort, the Patriots just couldn't capitalize. There was a 10-yard hold call on Rhamondre Stevenson, followed by another hold call on Nick Leverett.
And to top it all off, kicker Joey Slye missed the 33-yard field goal attempt.
These are the plays that the Patriots need to capitalize off of if they want any chance of winning these games. But the inability to go just 23 yards for the touchdown highlights how poor the offense is playing right now.
Special teams is showing up to play, but the rest of the team needs to step it up.
