Punting stats can sometimes be a bit misleading.
For instance, you could be the best punter in the world, but if you’re playing with the best offense in the league, you’re not likely to be getting many opportunities. Conversely, if your team’s offense is poor, your punter is likely to have some inflated stats.
Still, net punting average is a solid statistic, as it accounts for both the distance of the punt and the length of the return. And based on that metric, the Broncos’ rookie punter, Riley Dixon, has been great.
Drafted by @johnelway in 7th rd, #Broncos' @RileyTDixon92 currently has the highest net punting average (41.4) by any rookie in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/MzjvVdfslV
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 6, 2016
Broncos Country was a little nervous about Dixon heading into the season. He had an extremely poor preseason, and on a team that needed as big of a field-position advantage as they could muster, Dixon didn’t look up for the task.
He’s stepped up to the challenge, though, playing a big role on this Denver Broncos team. Gary Kubiak even named him one of the players of the game for last week’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.