Bill Belichick has devoted a lot of words to Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker.
The one he uses most often is “weapon.”
“Again, he’s a weapon on the field,” Belichick said during a press conference Thursday, ahead of next Sunday’s game against the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
The New England Patriots coach’s appreciation for the punt game has been well documented. But his respect for Hekker goes beyond the punter’s formidable right leg. The 6-foot-5 former high school quarterback demonstrated why as recently as last weekend’s NFC Championship Game.