The 5 Greatest Punters in Atlanta Falcons History

The punter is one of the few members of an NFL team that fans never want to see take the field. Regardless of skill level, his appearance is a sign of failure for the team and often indicates a level of offensive frustration. However, that doesn’t take away from the importance of the position and how valuable it can be to have a capable punter.

It’s an overlooked part of every dynasty. Whether it’s Tom Brady’s Patriots in the past or Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs currently, special teams never make headlines. Yet, an overlooked part of both dynasties is the ultra-reliable special teams units. This includes the punting game. To be a truly complete team, you have to have someone you can rely on when the offense inevitably fails.

It’s extremely difficult to judge punters in Atlanta Falcons history. Yes, some players have earned the numbers based on their longevity or one great run. One example is Dustin Colquitt, who leads all punters in Atlanta history with an average of 47.7 yards per punt. However, Colquitt has only punted 23 times for Atlanta during the 2021 season.

Just looking at averages isn’t enough. The criteria for selection are simple: they focus on averages, longevity, and impact on the team. One out of three isn’t enough to qualify for the list. Instead, sustained success, complete with positive impact and numbers, is needed to land in the top five.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top five punters in Atlanta history, starting with the current starter, who could climb even higher on the list with another strong season.

5. Bradley gear

With Arthur Smith’s offense taking the field during Bradley Pinion’s tenure in Atlanta, you know the punter has had plenty of opportunities. He doesn’t have the staying power yet, but has put up some impressive numbers during his time with the Falcons.

Despite playing just two seasons, Pinion already ranks 10th in all-time punt yardage in franchise history. He averages 46.5 yards per punt and has arguably been more reliable than any piece of Atlanta’s offense. While the additions of Kirk Cousins ​​and Darnell Mooney, as well as coaching changes, should change that, Pinion is a welcome backup plan.

This isn’t the only top five Pinion has been a part of. He’s put together a consistent career and shown he has the longevity to remain a key and overlooked part of Atlanta’s roster.

4. Dan Stryzinski

Dan Stryzinski was Atlanta’s punter from the 1995-2000 seasons during his 14-year career. While his averages and numbers aren’t elite, they were consistent and useful. Given Atlanta’s history at the position and the increased importance of longevity, he ranks fourth overall.

That said, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Bradley Pinion outpace Stryzinski if he remains in a Falcons uniform. Stryzinski has 18,982 career punting yards for Atlanta, good enough to rank third in franchise history.

The former Falcon has pinned 120 kicks inside the 20-yard line and has blocked just one punt in his entire tenure. He has also blocked just six punts in his entire career. While you’d like to see a higher average than 40.5 yards, the overall numbers and longevity demand respect.

John James was Atlanta’s punter from 1972-81 during a time in franchise history when the position was used frequently. That’s part of what allowed him to amass 35,633 punting yards, which easily ranks first overall and tops the nearest total by more than 12,000 yards — a truly shocking gap when you consider the solid options Atlanta has had over the years.

James has the career numbers and longevity to be considered a bit higher on this list, but his 40.8 yards per punt keeps him out of the top two spots.

Yes, the game has changed, and kickers have learned through conditioning and practice how to add much more power and reach. But if James had been kicking during the 2023 season, his average wouldn’t be in the top 30. While the historical record is there, it’s a stretch to argue he belongs higher given how much better punters have become in today’s game.

Although Michael Koenen averaged his best with Tampa, the former punter’s time in Atlanta is often underrated. He punted for the Falcons from 2005-10, bridging the gap between the end of Michael Vick’s career and the beginning of Matt Ryan’s impressive run.

Koenen has put the opposition inside the 20-yard line 150 times in his career. Despite playing fewer seasons with the team than John James, he has more kicks inside the 20 and a higher career average of 42.0 yards per punt with an impressive career long of 70 yards. He has been a tremendous piece for the Falcons and helped stabilize the team during a time of turmoil.

Yes, Koenen’s time as a backup placekicker was ugly. But this isn’t about his field-goal percentage, it’s just about the time he spent in Atlanta as a punter.

When it comes to raw talent, Koenen is undoubtedly second on this list. While he may not last as long as his peers, his career numbers in Atlanta are still more than enough.

1. Matt Bosher

Matt Bosher is by far the best punter in Atlanta history, and it’s not even close.

He has the most punts inside the 20-yard line in Atlanta history with 190. His 45.7 yards per punt easily tops the list among punters who played more than two seasons. He ranks second in all-time punt yardage and was part of the best kicking duo in Atlanta history.

Matt Bryant and Bosher represented stability at placekicker, holder and punter. They both played their roles impressively and made special teams the last thing Atlanta had to worry about. It’s no coincidence that their careers coincided with the best seasons of the Matt Ryan era.

Bosher was Atlanta’s punter from 2011-19 and was part of the best run we’ve seen in recent franchise history. While it may not have ended the way the veteran wanted, his career-defining hit stick of a tackle perfectly encapsulated his time in Atlanta and who he was as a player.

That’s a player who is the only choice when determining the best punter in Atlanta history.