FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen was relegated to holding duties Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots had 10 offensive series in their 51-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and only one didn’t result in a score — their final drive, when backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo took the field to kneel. That meant more time on the sideline for Allen, who didn’t punt in a game for the first time in his three-year NFL career.
“It never really works that way,” Allen said. “This is kind of a once-in-a-blue-moon deal. (The offense) did a heck of a job today. I was just focused on my job, and my job today was being ready if I was needed to punt, and if we crossed over the 50-yard line, be ready for holds and to have good operations for Steve (Gostkowski). And I think we did a good job today.”
Gostkowski hit six extra points and three field goals on the afternoon. The kicker broke the NFL record for most consecutive made extra points.
Allen is averaging career highs with 49 yards per punt and 41.6 net average. Just two punts have been returned for 17 total yards.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
