Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, according to an announcement from the NFL on Wednesday.
Gonzalez contributed 10 points for Atlanta during their Week 12 game, helping the team end a five-game losing streak with a 24-10 win over the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. He made field goals from distances of 41, 54, and 56 yards and also converted an extra point.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said, “He’s provided that operational peace. He’s done a nice job of doing that. He’s provided a lot of steady hand for us when it comes to those things.”
This marks the third occasion in Gonzalez’s career where he has made multiple field goals of at least 50 yards in one game. Over his 72 career games, he has converted 14 out of 22 attempts from beyond 50 yards.
Gonzalez is now only the second kicker in Falcons history to make two field goals of more than 54 yards in a single game. The other was Hall of Fame member Morten Andersen, who accomplished this feat on December 10, 1995, also against the Saints.
Since joining Atlanta on November 5, Gonzalez has made all six field-goal attempts and all six point-after tries.
Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams commented when Gonzalez arrived in Atlanta: “He plays with great poise, has consistent technique, has a strong leg, and he’s played in clutch situations. He joined Washington (last year) when they were on their playoff run, and then, when they got into the playoffs, he was 7 of 8 with making a game-winner to beat Tampa Bay. … So, he’s in the building. We’re excited to have him. He’s one of us, and I look forward to seeing him dominate.”
Gonzalez is Atlanta’s third active roster kicker this season following releases of Younghoe Koo and Parker Romo after missed critical kicks earlier in the year.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins noted after Sunday’s win: “In today’s NFL, with the way that they have even changed some of the rules in the last couple of years, games are going to come down to the final possession more often than not. You see it every Sunday. The kicks are just such a big deal, and you do all you can as an offense to not have to rely on it, but you also know that it can be such a big part of your team’s success.”
Gonzalez is now the third Falcons player this season recognized by the league; Bijan Robinson received NFC Offensive Player honors for September and after Week 6 against Buffalo Bills while Xavier Watts was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
