Your 2011 Atlanta Falcons Special Teams Player Vote

by Dave Choate on Feb 6, 2012 12:00 PM EST in Falcons Talk

It's time to vote again!

This time around, we're voting on the best special teams player for the Atlanta Falcons in 2011. Given their relatively limited number of plays, dedicated special teams players outside of kickers and punters are tougher to notice. But that doesn't mean they weren't doing valuable thing for the Falcons.

Let's figure out which one is most deserving of our praise. Here's our nominated candidates:

Matt Bryant: Still about as automatic a kicker as there is operating today, Bryant had another great season. He nailed 93% of his field goal attempts in 2011, which is a career best for the 36-year-old. He also didn't miss a single extra point.
Antone Smith: A quick runner, a good tackler and a willing special teamer who quietly contributed all season long.
Matt Bosher: He was a train wreck for the first several games of the season, but by midway through he had transformed into a monster weapon for the Falcons. His 42.1 yards per punt don't tell the whole story, as he averaged over half a field per punt in five out of the team's last six games and showed a deft touch as he developed.
Eric Weems: He had a down year by 2010 standards, but remains a quality returner and is a force of nature as a tackler despite his size. There's nobody who makes it down the field faster on punt returns.
Akeem Dent: I added him because it would be a shame to leave him off the ballot. His 14 special team tackles as a rookie were impressive, and he's got a great nose for special teams.

Vote, says Choate!

Poll

Who is the 2011 Atlanta Falcons special teams player of the year?

Matt Bryant

238 votes

Antone Smith

17 votes

Matt Bosher

65 votes

Eric Weems

11 votes

Akeem Dent

54 votes

385 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

You forgot one

Stephen Nicholas. Yea Akeem Dent and Bosher are close Seconds but I give it to Stephen just for the Tackle in the Eagles game when he Caught Desean. Ohh and another guy I give props too is Chris Owens simply for the Minnesota game.

by falcons101 on Feb 6, 2012 12:11 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons have “been in touch” with free agent ILB Channing Crowder.

by Kushion on Feb 6, 2012 1:01 PM EST reply actions

No way TD signs a guy like him

by dirtybirds233 on Feb 6, 2012 1:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

And this punk had the nerve to say to Nolan

“if you need a better linebacker” give him a call.

by Kushion on Feb 6, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

At least the guy has an edge

I’m not a big fan of Crowder’s but our team is chock full of “safe” picks and high character guys. Having an attitude and a mouth doesn’t win games but It wouldn’t hurt to bring in a guy with a bit of an edge. Plus he knows Nolan’s schemes and is still pretty young. The G-Men have alot of “talkers” on their team but all they’ve done is win 2 SB’s.

by leonw92 on Feb 6, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Yea he has an edge

if that’s what you wanna call it. Typically the guys with an edge are on the field though. I don’t see Channing Crowder taking anybodies starting position on this team. Having an edge and standing on the sidelines probably doesn’t do us any good. I do agree we have a lot or maybe too many high character guys.

by Kushion on Feb 6, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

I'll have a post a little later

But I’m skeptical.

by Dave Choate on Feb 6, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

Matt Bryant,

but Bosher definitely gets an honorable mention for the last half of his season.

by LuvGems on Feb 6, 2012 1:21 PM EST reply actions

I voted for Money Bryant...

I would like to be able to give my vote to the developing Bosher but he did have a really rocky start. If he can play the whole season like he finished this one then we cannot prop the coaching staff enough for letting Keonen go and dropping a really-high-for-a-kicker draft pick on this kid.

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Feb 6, 2012 1:59 PM EST reply actions

Bryant no doubt, BUT I would add one more nomination

Chris Owens for at least 2 breathtaking plays. He saved 2 TD on kickoff returns, and he did it with his speed and determination. I know that a kicker and a punter get more attention, and players like Nicholas or Weems or Smith might make plays consistently, but at least on those plays Owens was awesome!

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Feb 6, 2012 2:12 PM EST reply actions

Hands down Bryant

Having a kicker who’s automatic is such a boost to the team. If he was on the Ravens, I believe that the Ravens would have won it in overtime

If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set

by suicide bunting is a sin on Feb 6, 2012 2:28 PM EST reply actions

Bosher

I know he had a rocky start, and I know that Bryant was Mr. Consistent, but I’ve gotta show Bosher some love. That guy really developed a lot in the second half of the season, and I’ve got to give him a lot of credit for that.

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on Feb 6, 2012 4:07 PM EST reply actions

I voted for Bosher...

I may be being a bit unfair to Bryant, though. I think I take his excellence for granted, now.

by ChardeeMacDennis on Feb 6, 2012 4:14 PM EST reply actions

Bryant is above average and easily can be labeled as "good"

but Bosher is a GREAT punter if you look at his last 6 games. He is everything we gave up when we let Keonen go. This vote is for “the best special teamer” not “the most consistent” or “the best throughout the year” – it is who you currently eyeball as “the best”. Currently? Bosher is a great punter.

Just sayin’

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Feb 6, 2012 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

I tend to agree, partially

Bryant doesnt have the leg to pull off a 55 yarder. but then again, the team probably wants to see a reliable kicker who can consistently boot 40 yarders. Bosher, on the other hand, has huge upside potential.

I just hope that we see fewer punts by Bosher and fewer FG tries by Bryant next season.

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Feb 7, 2012 4:06 AM EST up reply actions