Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers reveals funny confession about key role in Sunday's win

FOXBOROUGH, Mass – With Marcus Jones sidelined, Jabrill Peppers was given a key role in Sunday's game against the New York Jets. The New England Patriots safety was tasked with two punt returns, one of which he decided to go a little rogue on.  "It was a good feeling," Peppers said when asked about how […]

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Jabrill Peppers punt return
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

FOXBOROUGH, Mass – With Marcus Jones sidelined, Jabrill Peppers was given a key role in Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

The New England Patriots safety was tasked with two punt returns, one of which he decided to go a little rogue on. 

"It was a good feeling," Peppers said when asked about how it feels to be returning punts. "I was a little rusty. I was supposed to just fair catch them, but when I look, I see that green grass."

"I definitely think I left some out there. First time being back there in a couple years now I believe," Peppers added. "I still got it."

He recorded a total of 25 yards on the two punt returns. 

And while he didn't exactly listen to what the coaches said, their reaction to his decision was perfect.

"They just gave me a little laugh," Peppers said. "Just smiled a little bit." 

And when asked if he will ever be allowed to return a punt in a Patriots uniform again, Peppers just smiled. 

"We'll see," he said. "Whatever I can do to help the team. It is what it is."

And he made sure to mention Jones, who was the Patriots primary punt return before the cornerback was placed on injured reserve after having suffered a torn labrum in New England's loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. 

"Definitely missing Marcus, so whatever I can do to help the team," Peppers said.  

Peppers is in his seventh year in the league, having recorded 85 punt returns and 34 kick returns, most of which were during his time with the Cleveland Browns 

After his first two seasons with the Browns, Peppers was traded to the New York Giants where he spent the following three years. There he also served as punt returner, but only had one kick return. 

Peppers appeared in all 17 games for the Patriots last season, but his focus was on the defense. Sunday's game was the first time in two years since he had been in the back field and marked his first time returning a punt for the Patriots. 

We'll have to see if he gets another shot at that on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. 

Featured Image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports