The Washington Football Team suffered their third defeat of the season, losing to the New Orleans Saints 33-22. The storylines of the game include the multiple gaffes from the Washington defense and Jameis Winston’s four touchdowns, including an improbable Hail Mary.
However, lost in the shuffle is the battle for field position. An area that tipped to the side of the Saints thanks to multiple great punts from punter Blake Gillikin.
Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke had a great quote describing Gillikin’s punts.
Gillikin averaged 53.6 yards on his five punts. Three of which landed inside Washington’s five-yard line.
In the second quarter of a tied game, he perfectly booted the ball out of bounds at the one-yard line. Washington was forced to punt the ball after a three-and-out. That set up Jameis Winston’s Hail Mary on the final play of the first half, giving the Saints the lead for good.
Gillikin’s final punt of the day came in the fourth quarter. He pinned Washington down at the two-yard line. Three plays later, Heinicke threw his second interception of the game. The Saints took over just outside of the red zone.
The offense punched the ball in the end zone four plays later to extend their lead to 27-16 with just over 12 minutes remaining.
He won’t get much credit for those who pay more attention to highlights. But, Gillikin played an enormous role in the Saints beating Washington Sunday. Heinicke’s description of his play was spot on for layman’s terms.
