Nov 6, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Chargers place kicker Cameron Dicker (15) reacts with punter JK Scott (16) after kicking the game winning field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Bolts Special Teamer Was #1 in the NFL in Crucial Stat

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By James Brizuela | Last updated 1/12/24

Some games in the NFL are high-scoring affairs where both offenses just light up the field, throwing touchdown after touchdown. However, some games are far tougher defensively, often resulting in a game of inches. One way that teams can secure close wins is through special teams play, which is one of the strongest units the Los Angeles Chargers possess.

The Chargers are currently looking for their new head coach. That means the team is also subject to losing coaches of their own. That was not the case for special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken, who was blocked from being interviewed by the New York Giants.

This block could be because the Bolts know what they have in their special teams unit and coaching. Case and point, punter JK Scott led the league in air yards, according to PFF.

JK Scott: 4.72 seconds hang time per punt this season

1st in the NFL this season pic.twitter.com/zsLaGAXO9N
— PFF LA Chargers (@PFF_Chargers) January 11, 2024

Scott had a league-leading 4.72-second hang time with his punts this season. While some might view punting as a throwaway stat, it's very crucial to most games.

If a punter can secure huge hang time, along with the ability to pinpoint their kicks, they can pin opponents deep in their territory.

As stated before, football can be a game of inches, and stopping an opponent from having a good field position is crucial.

Scott's hang time being #1 in the NFL is also important as it allows Chargers players to bolt down the field and stop opponents from being able to run the ball back for chunk yardage.

Gunners can certainly make it to the end of the field if they are given nearly 5 seconds to do so. The Chargers would do well with bolstering this unit in the offseason.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Chargers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: