FOXBORO — In some locker rooms, players view special teams assignments as an annoyance or a punishment.
With the Patriots, it’s a privilege, and it’s continuing to show as they make a variety of plays on a weekly basis to win games. Their consistent commitment typically begins with a Tuesday meeting with five-time captain and four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Slater, rolls into the next day’s breakdown with coaches Joe Judge and Ray Ventrone, and heats up during each practice.
The results have played a major role in the Pats’ 9-0 record, most recently with AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Stephen Gostkowski’s 54-yard game-winning field goal and Danny Amendola’s momentum-turning 82-yard punt return Sunday against the Giants.