One of the NFL’s best ever special teamers speaks highly of the young Patriot.
Having lost 10 out of their first 13 games this season and already being eliminated from playoff contention, the New England Patriots are one of the worst teams in the NFL for a second straight season. As a consequence, there is a chance that they also will not get any respect in Pro Bowl voting for a second year in a row.
But while the team performance as a whole may not suggest so, the Patriots have seen some impressive individual performances over the course of their challenging season. Tops on that list, without a doubt, is cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
Not far below him, however, is core special teamer Brenden Schooler. Just ask Matthew Slater.
“Brenden is gifted in so many ways,” Slater said in a team-produced video making Schooler’s Pro Bowl case. “If you look closely and you really watch what’s going on on the field, Brenden is always making an impact whether it’s in the return game or coverage. He really stands out, and it’s each and every week regardless of matchup.”
Slater, of course, knows a thing or two about kicking game play. A three-time Super Bowl winner, who appeared 264 games for the Patriots between 2008 and 2023, he is arguably the best special teamer in NFL history and a realistic candidate for Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.
He also served as a mentor for Schooler, who joined the Patriots as a rookie free agent in 2022. And even though the youngster is only just starting to build his résumé, he already is having a Slater-like impact on the field.
“It’s so impressive that he does it at the consistency that he does,” Slater said. “To be able to run down at 22 miles an hour, gather himself, and come and finish his plays is such a hard thing to do. Just his ability to go out and command the other team’s game plan and respect. We’re really blessed that he’s a Patriot.”
Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who is in his first year working with Schooler, echoed those remarks.
“He’s always getting doubled. Every team knows exactly where he’s going to be at,” he explained in a recent press conference. “Every team’s pretty much saying, ‘Hey, no matter this game plan we have to take 41 out of the game.’ That’s what kind of presence he has on the field.”
Through 13 games, Schooler is ranked first on the Patriots with 291 special teams snaps (86.4%). Despite the extra attention he is getting, he also managed to register seven tackles — second on the team behind Christian Elliss’ eight — and block a punt in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins.
Time will tell whether all of that will lead to Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition will be seen. Viewed in a vacuum and without the Patriots’ record hurting him, he does have a strong case.