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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Stephen Gostkowski Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October


The Patriots' (6-2) offense might be in the crapper through the first eight games but you can't pin their red zone and third-down troubles on kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Sadly, he's been their best offensive player through the first two months (think about that) and today he was recognized with the AFC Player of the Month award for his outstanding October.

It is the second time in Gostkowski's career that he has earned this recognition, the other one was in October 2008 so I guess there is something about kicking in the fall in New England that he enjoys or something. Nines were wild for him as he went 9 for 9 on field goals and 9 for 9 on PATs in October. For the season, he's hit 20 of 21 field goals with two over 50+ yards (including a career-high 54-yarder vs. New Orleans on Oct. 13) and all 17 of his extra points for 77 total points. His 20 field goals are tops in the league and 77 points is second behind Denver's Matt Prater.

Believe it or not, this is his eighth year in the NFL but he's only made the Pro Bowl once before (2008). If he keeps this pace up, he might want to reserve a hotel room in Hawaii before the season is over. Then again, let's hope the Patriots are still playing then so he doesn't have to go.

UPDATE 11/2: Pats put Tommy Kelly on season-ending IR with his knee injury. You have to feel bad for him, especially since he spent all those wasted years in Oakland. Rookie guard Josh Kline was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.







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