From Philadelphia Eagles On SI · · 2m
Mann's punting flips field in Eagles' Week 1 win
Braden Mann's precision punting gave Philadelphia a hidden advantage against Washington, pinning the Commanders deep in their own territory.
In brief
Braden Mann's precision punting gave Philadelphia a hidden advantage against Washington, pinning the Commanders deep in their own territory. Elite punting is a luxury that can swing close games by controlling field position and giving your defense better positioning. Originally reported by Philadelphia Eagles On SI.
Mann dominates in Eagles' Week 1 win
Braden Mann punted seven times for 361 yards with a 51.6-yard average as the Eagles beat Washington 24-22, flipping field position with four punts inside the 20-yard line.
Special teams coordinator calls it a luxury
Michael Clay praised Mann's work ethic and precision, saying having a punter of that caliber is a luxury for any team.
“It's definitely a luxury.”
Mann's net average was 44.0 yards
Washington was forced to start several possessions deep in its own territory, including multiple pins inside the 10-yard line, and never scored off Mann's punts.
Four drives ended in three-and-outs
Mann's punts forced Washington into quick stalls, including a coffin-corner kick that died at the Commanders' 2-yard line with 33 seconds left in the first half.
No joystick in Mann's leg
Clay explained that while Mann had an exceptional week, he doesn't control the ball's movement after it leaves his foot. Once punted, the ball is at the mercy of the bounce.
“I don't think he has any control of that.”
Kick trajectory depends on technique
Different punting techniques can produce different trajectories, similar to what former All-Pro Johnny Hekker achieved in Los Angeles with sharp directional changes.
Coverage team deserves credit too
Gunners Kelee Ringo and Darius Cooper, along with interior coverage players, helped win the field-position battle by preventing touchbacks and limiting returns.
“I thought the gunners and the interior did a good job.”
No touchbacks, just 53 return yards
Mann's coverage team allowed only 53 yards on four return attempts with zero touchbacks, maximizing the field-position advantage.
Defense spent 70 snaps on field
The Eagles' defense was heavily taxed in the game, and Mann's punts gave both the offense and defense time to adjust while improving field positioning.
Clay's advice: commit to the kick
The special teams coordinator tells Mann to pick a direction and commit fully, trusting that everything else will play out as intended.
“Just commit to it. Pick a direction we want to go, commit to it and everything else will play out.”
At a glance
Elite punting is a luxury that can swing close games by controlling field position and giving your defense better positioning.
