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The New England Patriots are represented by two sophomores on the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-NFL team.
Punter Jake Bailey and punt returner Gunner Olszewski have earned selections following the 2020 campaign, the PFWA announced Monday afternoon. Both also reside on the All-AFC roster.
The 23-year-old Bailey averaged 48.7 yards per punt and a league-leading net average of 45.6 yards per punt during New England’s 7-9 regular season. Over the course of 55 attempts, Bailey saw 31 land inside the opposing 20-yard line and only five go for touchbacks. A fifth-round draft choice out of Stanford in 2019, Bailey logged a long of 71 yards en route to Pro Bowl recognition. He continued to operate as the Patriots’ kickoff specialist and holder.
The 24-year-old Olszewski amassed a league-high 346 yards on punt returns over the course of 20 tries. Along the way arrived a 70-yard touchdown for the undrafted product of Division II Bemidji State. Olszewski’s 17.3 yards per punt return set a Patriots franchise record. He handled 18 kickoffs for 418 yards on special teams, as well. And at wide receiver, the former defensive back had a hand in five carries for 23 yards as well as five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Bailey and Olszewski took home their initial first-team All-Pros from the Associated Press earlier in January.
The 35-year-old captain of New England’s kicking game, gunner Matthew Slater, took home second-team AP All-Pro honors behind George Odum of the Indianapolis Colts.