Johnny Hekker Reacts to Idea He’s Los Angeles Rams MVP

Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker reacted to the idea that he is the team’s most valuable player after a 9-6 win over the New York Jets.

Punters don’t normally get enough credit, but Johnny Hekker was a huge reason why the Los Angeles Rams won an ugly game in Week 10.

It was a battled of field position all day long and Hekker helped the Rams win that battle. The Rams punter booted the ball seven times to the tune of 51.7 yards per attempt, including a booming 78-yard kick that led to a Jets three-and-out deep in their own territory. The Rams would go on to take advantage of great field position, ultimately scoring the game-winning field goal.

As the Rams continue to struggle on offense, Hekker’s ability as an elite punter in the NFL is getting noticed even more. Some, including linebacker Alex Ogletree, have even mentioned Hekker is in the conversation as the team’s MVP. Aaron Donald’s season would have something to say about that.

Of course, Hekker being the humble guy he is gave credit to his teammates instead after Sunday’s win, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN:

"“I’m just one player,” Hekker said. “I do my best, but if Jake McQuaide isn’t putting the snaps in the right spot, or if guys aren’t picking up stunts, then I wouldn’t be comfortable back there. The same way a quarterback relies on his offensive line, I rely on my punt team.”"

Defensive end Robert Quinn heaped praise on the three-time team captain:

"“When you’re looking at one 10-yard line and see the ball end up on the other 10-yard line, that’s a good change of field,” Rams defensive end Robert Quinn said. “That’s why he’s a three-time captain and two-time Pro Bowler. He’s a special punter. They don’t get a lot of credit, but he helps us out a lot.”"

Johnny Hekker the MVP?

Hekker is saying the right things, but he deserves to give himself more credit than that.  The veteran is second in the NFL in net punting average, and leads the league with 28 punts inside the 20. That’s five more than any other punter.

The Rams offense sees more drives stall than not, making Hekker’s great kicks a huge benefit to the team’s defense. It’s one thing to be successful on defense with an offense that can’t sustain drives, however it’s even worse if that same defense is always having to defend a short field.

Hekker prevents that from happening, giving the Rams a huge advantage in any low-scoring affair. MVP might be a stretch for a punter, even for one as good as Hekker. You know a team is having a bad season when the punter is one of two players being talked about in the team’s MVP conversation.

Regardless, if there was ever a case to be made for a punter to win a team’s MVP, it’s Hekker during the 2016 campaign.

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