It's not often that your punter carries the load, but when you have perhaps the best in the game, it's no surprise when it happens.
That was the case for Las Vegas Raiders punter A.J. Cole in his team's 23-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
In a first half where Las Vegas' offense was unable to put points on the board, Cole was the one non-defensive bright spot for the Raiders when it came to field position. The two-time Pro-Bowl punter recorded four punts that were downed within the 10-yard line in the first two quarters. Only one of them set up a drive that was finished with an Indianapolis touchdown.
Cole's presence was crucial on the opening drive of the second half as well, as the punter was roughed on a punt just short of midfield, resulting in a fresh set of downs for the Raiders. They would go on to score their first touchdown of the contest, making it a one-possession game.
After that, Cole only had to punt once more in Sunday's game. Unfortunately for him, it was far from his best on the day, as his 21-yard punt sailed out of bounds at the Colts' 24-yard line.
Cole ultimately solidified what Raiders fans had already known: that he is the best punter in the game.
The veteran punter was known to be so back in the 2021 season when he led the league with 50.0 yards per punt and was selected to his first AP All-Pro First Team.
Cole could very well be on the same path this season, as Cole has shown week in and week out that he is simply the best at what he does.
With one game remaining this season, Cole has recorded a career-high 3,549 punting yards with an average of 50.0 yards per punt. His longest punt of 83 yards leads the league.
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