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Expectations of Patriots’ fourth-year players

By Connor Fulton

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) fumbles the ball forward as he is hit by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) fumbles the ball forward as he is hit by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Allen Patriots
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen (6) punts during the game against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Ryan Allen (2013 undrafted)

2013 stats: 16 games, 45.9 yards per punt, 65-yard long

2014 stats: 16 games, 46.4 yards per punt, 67-yard long

2015 stats: 16 games, 46.0 yards per punt, 67-yard long

Although he wasn’t one of the two punters selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, Allen has been one of the NFL’s most consistent punters over the last three seasons.

Allen’s rookie season got off to a good start when he unseated Zoltan Mesko as the Patriots’ punter in training camp.

Reordering CB depth chart after E.J. Biggers signing

Allen capped off a stellar sophomore season by booting a 64-yard punt in Super Bowl XLIX, setting a Super Bowl record.

One source of concern, perhaps the only regarding Allen, is the fact that he has been blocked once in each of the past two seasons. In Week 11, the Philadelphia Eagles scooped up Allen’s blocked punt and scored a touchdown, one of the special teams eyesores that cost the Patriots dearly in that game.

2016 expectations: 16 games, 47.1 yards per punt, 66-yard long

In 2016, Allen will keep up the good work and continue to put his name in the conversation for best punter in the NFL.

Next: Revisiting and grading Patriots’ 2015 NFL Draft picks

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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