The RAMS Forum

Interesting that in spite of his punting "woes", and the Rams special teams performance in general, the Rams special teams rank 1st in punt returns allowed with just 8 of Hekker's 43 being returned, and they rank 1st in punt return yardage allowed with just 46. It's certainly not *all* Hekker, but I'd expect his impact to be well above the tipping point. Glad to see he's having some positive impact in a down year, distance wise

Down last three years distance wise. Love him but he makes too much money and will be released after season. Should have kept Bojorquez.

Hekker is a pro’s pro! He’s still one of the best and he’s a leader. Big reason why Gay is heading to the Pro Bowl. This may be his last season with the Rams but he won’t be easy to replace. Much more than just your average punter.

Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) Tweeted:
One Hekk of a mic'd up.

@YouTubeTV Mic'd Up: @JHekker https://t.co/ioKxsXwuXu

Raminec wrote: ↑December 22nd, 2021, 9:33 pm
Hekker is a pro’s pro! He’s still one of the best and he’s a leader. Big reason why Gay is heading to the Pro Bowl. This may be his last season with the Rams but he won’t be easy to replace. Much more than just your average punter.

Agreed--the guy has big-time leadership skills, and he's the #1 reason why the Rams have been able to severely limit the opponents' punt-return yardage.

I'm hoping that our team won't foolishly lose him... :?

ram pathos...

--The Commish

Hek's contributions and value to the team goes way deeper than punting avg... he does alot for the team
Great leadership skills too. Hope they bring him back.

JerzyRam wrote: ↑December 22nd, 2021, 1:11 pm Down last three years distance wise. Love him but he makes too much money and will be released after season. Should have kept Bojorquez.

I was on the fence about it, but I was leaning that way towards the end of preseason. He just looked like he was outperforming Hekker. But Hekker has been good to us, so we stuck with the known instead of the unproven. May come back to haunt us.

Just make sure we keep him in camp next year long enough to show the ropes to the new punter before the 53-man roster cuts are made and he's gone.

Always good to get a good handover and knowledge transfer done while the transition between the two can be made. I believe Bojorquez definitely benefited from his knowledge with Hekker in camp this year.

JerzyRam wrote: ↑December 22nd, 2021, 1:11 pm Down last three years distance wise. Love him but he makes too much money and will be released after season. Should have kept Bojorquez.

Thank you!!!

Well....I agree that Hekker is a great team first guy and does a hell of a job cheerleading from the sideline....but it is apparent to me he just doesn't seem to have the same leg strength he once had.

It's weird because the leg strength just fell off a cliff, not like we watched a slow decline.

I think they should have kept Bjourkez (sp?)

Maybe as a holder, Hekker was better then any other option. Matt Gay FGs been great this year. I really don't know why Hekker was kept over CB, just spit balling.

The reason why I suggested that one of the reasons Hekker stayed over CB, is bc Gay pointed out how important it is to get everything set up right, right down to the laces direction.

I do remember Gay missing a few fgs when Hekker wasn't the holder over last preseason.

The old leg gets tired. Hekker has been around awhile. It happens. Nevertheless, if the above stat is correct someone listed above. The Rams being number one in punt return defense. Then John has done his job.

Jake Camarda is on my punter wish list for next year. Unfortunately he will probably get drafted. I am not keen on waisting a draft pick on a punter. Hekker is good, but we can get better for less.

45 punts on the season, dropped 19 inside the 20, kicked 8 OOB, 1 TB, 7 punts downed and 21 FC. He!! he hasn't given much of an opportunity for returns.
Teamwise Rams are 5th in net avg, as a contrast GB is 17th
Rams are fifth in FC, GB is 27th
Rams 1st with 8 returns for just 46 yds GB 24th 21 returns for 268 yds and 1 TD
Rams are 30+ yds lower than the Chiefs who have given up just 81 yds.

I'll grant that Corey B booms those kicks, geeze his long is 82 yards
but, at the end of the day, I'd say the Rams have done a better job with Hekker.

Yes we may make a change, but if this is Hekker's last season with the Rams, he is certainly not going out with a whimper.

MO anyway, such as it is

Hekker was great against the Vikes. Maybe he had a nagging injury that is getting better? Bodes well if he returns to ProBowl form for the playoffs.