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Johnny Hekker Displays Punting Perfection & Gets Game Ball In Rams Win Over Bears

The Beavers alumni was a true game-changer on Monday night.

NFL: Super Bowl LIII-New England Patriots vs Los Angeles Rams Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches always say that “special teams win games”, but in the case of the Los Angeles Rams and Johnny Hekker on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, the veteran punter proved just how valuable those plays can be.

Hekker punted five times and landed every single one of his punts inside Chicago’s ten-yard line, averaging over 44 yards per punt and leaving the Bears sometime sporadic return game with no play-making options. The punts, which varied from long-range power kicks to perfectly placed coffin corner shots, displayed Hekker’s true skill across the board and completely changed the field position for their opponents at multiple points.

It also included Hekker’s specialty “watermelon punt”, which took a gigantic bounce and eventually pinned the Bears offense to start out of their own endzone.

It’s no surprise that Hekker added to his legacy and received a game ball after the contest from head coach Sean McVay, who quoted that the four-time All-Pro was simply “phenomenal tonight”.

To catch Hekker next time he takes the field, the Rams return to the gridiron on Sunday (November 1st) against the Miami Dolphins.