Packers: Pat O’Donnell named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

It would’ve been hard to believe eight months ago, but the Green Bay Packers aren’t just improved on special teams, but they are now winning awards.

The Packers announced on Wednesday that punter Pat O’Donnell has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

And it’s well deserved.

O’Donnell had an outstanding game in Week 3 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Due to the team’s offensive struggles, O’Donnell was called on often throughout the game, and he delivered each time. He ensured Green Bay won the field position battle, regularly pinning Tampa Bay deep in its own territory.

O’Donnell punted seven times with an average of 48.4 yards per punt. He hit a long of 63 yards. Most impressive of all was that five of his seven punts had the Buccaneers pinned inside their own 20-yard line. One punt was downed at the one-yard line.

It was an excellent performance from the veteran punter, who showed exactly why the Packers signed him in the offseason.

O’Donnell was brought to Green Bay to bring some stability at the punter position, while also being a reliable holder on kicks. So far, he has checked every box.

The only question now is whether he can continue to play at this level when the weather gets colder. But that’s another reason the Packers signed him. He spent his entire career prior to this with the Chicago Bears, so punting in frozen temperatures is nothing new to him.

Under new special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, the Packers have already made significant improvements. Part of that is due to Bisaccia’s arrival, but also due to the players the Packers have brought in.

That includes O’Donnell, who is off to an excellent start to the season. Long may the Packers’ improved play on special teams continue.