The New England Patriots pulled off a tremendous win on Sunday, beating the Bills 29-26 in a game sure to be pivotal in the AFC East title race.
While the offense's rebound is the main story, the special teams have seen new contributors emerge this season. Namdi Obiazor was the first linebacker to produce on Jeremy Springer's unit in Week 1, while a fellow rookie linebacker cemented himself as a core special-teams contributor after a tremendous Week 4 performance.
UDFA waiver claim Erick Hunter was an afterthought when the Patriots added him at the end of August, but he's carved out a strong role for himself on special teams.
Hunter totaled 103 tackles and five sacks for Morgan State last season while maintaining a sub-10% missed tackle rate. During preseason with the Detroit Lions, he impressed, making six tackles in 70 defensive snaps across three matchups. In 42 special teams snaps, he added three tackles and earned strong PFF grades on both units.
Now with New England, Hunter has become a key special teams piece, and Springer's unit will no doubt be hoping he continues his strong play.
Erick Hunter is blossoming into a key piece to the special teams unit
Hunter was almost exclusively involved on special teams through the first month. He logged his first defensive action of the season in Week 3, making a tackle in just three snaps.
This Sunday, he made four special teams tackles against the Bills in 19 snaps. He was a healthy scratch in Week 1, but totaled 25 snaps across Weeks 2 and 3.
Against a team led by former MVP Josh Allen, playing mistake-free football is key. New England couldn't do that, as Drake Maye fumbled just outside the red zone, and Romeo Doubs' effort to make a low catch led to an interception.
The special teams performance, led by Hunter, may have sparked the Patriots' win.
The Patriots kept the Bills' kick return average under 25 yards, and while punt returner Greg Dortch managed 16 yards on his first return of the day, Hunter tagged him before he gained a yard late in the third quarter. Furthermore, Kyle Williams averaged 27.0 yards per kick return, and Marcus Jones netted 17 yards on a punt return.
Time will tell whether Hunter can continue to contribute as a special teamer, but the future looks bright for Jeremy Springer's unit.
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