OTA offseason workouts will soon be underway for the Las Vegas Raiders. They are set to begin on May 23rd. This season, several returning players will take the next step in their careers. Punter AJ Cole is one of those players after having a prolific year. It was a season that may not be replicated any time soon, even by him, but in the meantime, let’s take a brief look back.
What a year for the Raiders punter!
Cole displayed his golden foot throughout the season by totaling 3,202 punting yards and averaging 50 yards per punt, with his longest punt being 71 yards. He also topped this off by becoming an All-Pro and making a Pro Bowl trip. Have the Raiders found their next Ray Guy?
His kicking was certainly one of the season’s many shining lights. He had a noteworthy moment in Raider’s history this season when he forced a fumble against the rival Kansas City Chiefs.
#ProBowlVote AJ Cole
Leading the league in Net Punt and taking over games like he did here against Miami… come on #RaiderNation gotta get 6 in the Pro Bowl this year pic.twitter.com/IkHQ6LaKaD
— Alec Ingold (@AI_XLV) December 10, 2021
That’s not something you’d anticipate from a punter, but he’s shown his ability to make plays when needed. Cole demonstrated this season that winning requires success in all three phases of the game, and he ramped up on the special team’s unit. This effort was recognized early on, and he was awarded a contract extension.
What’s next for AJ Cole?
From here on out, it’s just a matter of honing your trade and mastering it efficiently, as those are the tools that will allow those punting statistics to climb. Last season, Cole was near the top in average punting yards.
His chances of outperforming last year’s performance are good. He has the energy and inspiration, and the addition of special team’s coordinator Tom McMahon will significantly help him. When you combine a cohesive unit with an athlete who just wants to improve, the sky is the limit. Fans will be cheering for the Raiders’ punter, who has emerged as the best at his position since Shane Lechler.
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*Top Photo: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun