The Providence Journal
In a season in which the offense was uninspiring and the defense had the consistency of mashed potatoes, there was one unit of the team the New England Patriots haven’t had to worry about on game day.
Bill Belichick has always stressed the importance of special teams. While there has been plenty to complain about when it comes to the Patriots, the kicking game isn’t one of them.
Monday's news only helped reinforce the point. When the AFC Pro Bowl team was announced, special-teams captain Matthew Slater made it for the ninth time and second-year punter Jake Bailey earned his first appearance, joining cornerback Stephon Gilmore as the team's only selections.