Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots

In a season where every play can tip the scales of a tight game, the New England Patriots’ special teams unit has emerged as a consistent difference-maker—earning well-deserved recognition with two AFC Weekly Awards in the past month. Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots isn’t just a celebration of individual achievements; it’s a testament to the unit’s collective effort, discipline, and ability to shine in high-pressure moments. For a franchise long known for valuing special teams as a “third phase” of the game (alongside offense and defense), these awards reinforce the Patriots’ commitment to excellence across all areas of play. From clutch field goals to game-changing punt returns, the special teams unit has turned routine plays into momentum-shifting moments, helping the Patriots stay in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots first turned heads in Week 12, when kicker Andres Borregales was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Borregales went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 52-yarder that sailed through the uprights in windy conditions and a game-winning 38-yard kick as time expired to secure a 25-22 victory. The honor marked a significant turnaround for Borregales, who struggled with accuracy during his rookie season but has since become one of the most reliable kickers in the AFC. Just two weeks later, in Week 14, punt returner Marcus Jones joined Borregales in the award circle, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his 76-yard punt return touchdown against the Buffalo Bills—a score that broke a 10-10 tie in the third quarter and paved the way for a 20-17 Patriots win. Jones also added three tackles on special teams coverage, showcasing his versatility and effort. “These awards are a reflection of how hard this entire unit works,” said Patriots special teams coordinator Cameron Achord. “It’s not just one guy—every player on special teams contributes, from the long snapper to the returner. This recognition is for all of them.”

Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots highlights the unit’s ability to impact games in multiple ways, beyond just scoring points. Against the Bills, Jones’ punt return touchdown wasn’t the only special teams highlight: long snapper Joe Cardona delivered a perfect snap on all of Borregales’ extra-point attempts, and kickoff coverage specialist Brenden Schooler made two key tackles to pin the Bills inside their own 20-yard line. In the Steelers game, punter Jake Bailey averaged 48 yards per punt, with three of his kicks landing inside the Steelers’ 10-yard line—forcing Pittsburgh to start drives with poor field position. These small, often overlooked plays add up, creating advantages that the Patriots’ offense and defense can build on. “Special teams is all about details,” Bailey said. “A good punt can change the entire momentum of a game, just like a clutch field goal or a big return. We take pride in doing the little things right, because we know they matter.” For the Patriots, the special teams unit’s ability to excel in both scoring and field position battles has been a critical edge in close games—something that has separated them from other AFC contenders.

Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots has also underscored the franchise’s long-standing tradition of special teams excellence. Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have always prioritized special teams, often using high draft picks on players who can contribute in the third phase and signing veterans with a proven track record of special teams success. This commitment has paid off: the Patriots have now won more AFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards (78) than any other team in NFL history, and they’ve had at least one special teams player earn the honor in 18 consecutive seasons. “Coach Belichick preaches that special teams can win or lose games, and he’s right,” said Schooler, who has been a standout on coverage units for three seasons. “We get the same amount of practice time as the offense and defense, and we’re held to the same high standards. That’s why we’re able to perform when it counts.” For the New England Patriots, this tradition isn’t just about winning awards—it’s about building a culture where every player, regardless of position, understands their role in the team’s success.

Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots has resonated deeply with fans, who have long celebrated the unit’s contributions. After Jones’ punt return touchdown against the Bills, Patriots fans took to social media to share clips of the play, with #MarcusJonesTD and #PatriotsSpecialTeams trending nationally. Local Boston sports radio shows dedicated segments to discussing the special teams unit’s impact, with callers praising the unit for “keeping the team in the playoff hunt” during a stretch of close games. At Gillette Stadium, fans have started a new tradition: cheering loudly during special teams plays, holding up signs that read “Third Phase = Championship Phase.” “Special teams doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but Patriots fans know how important it is,” said a lifelong fan from Foxborough. “To see guys like Andres and Marcus get recognized for their work is amazing—it’s a reminder that every part of the team matters.” For the New England Patriots, this fan support has been a motivating factor, with players noting that the crowd’s energy during special teams plays gives them an extra boost.

Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the New England Patriots is more than just a collection of individual honors—it’s a sign that the unit will be a critical factor in the Patriots’ playoff push. As the season enters its final weeks, the special teams unit’s ability to make clutch plays will be even more important, as the Patriots face a tough stretch of games against AFC contenders. Borregales will need to continue his accurate kicking, Jones will look to add more explosive returns, and the coverage units will have to limit opponents’ opportunities. For the Patriots, the goal is clear: turn these weekly awards into a postseason run, using the special teams unit’s momentum to fuel success. “We’re proud of these awards, but we’re not done,” Achord said. “Our focus is on helping this team win games and make the playoffs. The special teams unit will do everything we can to contribute to that goal.” For the New England Patriots and their fans, the special teams unit’s recent recognition is a reason to celebrate—and a reason to believe that the team has what it takes to compete for a championship.