It is rare to give great recognition to punters in the NFL. However, Las Vegas Raiders punter A.J. Cole has been one of the best punters this season and is having one of the best seasons in his career.
This is Cole's fifth season as the punter for the Silver and Black. This season he has kicked 46 total punts with a punt gross average of 51.04. Cole's longest punt this season has been 70 yards and he has kicked 24 punts inside the 20-yard line.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cole is tied for 14th with the most punts kicked in the league and second in the league for the most punt gross average. He is also tied within the league for the longest punt and tied for fourth for the most punts pinned inside 20 yards.
Last month against the New York Giants Cole had a career game and broke an NFL record. He finished the game setting a single-game record with a 63.6 yards punt per average, which ended up being the highest single-game average in NFL History.
Cole spoke about the chance to reach the milestone in his career but also explained how he will continue to improve and be better this season.
"I think if you say you're reaching the peak, it's only downhill from here on out. I don't believe that," Cole said. "I don't see why there's any reason I can't continue to improve. There are plenty of things that I still feel I can get better at and continue to improve. I wouldn't say there's any theoretical peak, a peak is really just what you establish as. I'm always going to think that my best football is ahead of me."
Interim head coach Antonio Pierce also spoke on how well the Raiders special teams unit has been a key factor in games this season.
"Our special teams has been our core," he added. "They've probably been the strength of our team each and every game, giving us opportunities. Along with [Daniel] Carlson, they've done an outstanding job along with our kicking coverage.
The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.
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