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 in Atlanta’s 24-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, helping end a five-game losing streak for the team. He converted an extra point and made field goals from distances of 41, 54, and 56 yards at Caesars Superdome.
“He’s provided that operational peace,” said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. “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 time Gonzalez has made multiple field goals of at least 50 yards in one game during his career. Over 72 career games, he has successfully converted 14 out of 22 attempts from beyond 50 yards.
Gonzalez is only the second kicker in franchise history to make two field goals of more than 54 yards in a single game. The first was Hall of Famer Morten Andersen, who achieved this feat against the Saints on December 10, 1995.
Since signing with Atlanta on November 5, Gonzalez has made all six field-goal attempts and all six point-after tries.
“He plays with great poise, has consistent technique, has a strong leg, and he’s played in clutch situations,” said special teams coordinator Marquice Williams upon Gonzalez’s arrival. “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 after Younghoe Koo and Parker Romo were released following missed critical kicks earlier in the year.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins commented on how important kicking can be: “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,” Cousins said after Sunday’s win. “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 becomes Atlanta’s third player recognized by the league this season; running back Bijan Robinson received Offensive Player honors for September and Week 6 against Buffalo Bills while safety Xavier Watts was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
