Parker Washington is a name both defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer will have circled when the Patriots kick off against the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.
While his early season numbers won’t jump off the page, Washington’s body of work speaks for itself. Last season, the dynamic returner returned 25 punts for 341 yards and two scores, proving he can flip field position on any given snap.
Special Teams Impact
During his press conference today, Coach Springer spoke highly of Washington and the threat he is on special teams.
“Parker Washington is elite. He’s a top-three guy in my opinion in the NFL,” said Springer. “So much respect for what he does on the punt-return unit. The guys blocking for him as well, they’re blocking their tails off because they know how dynamic he is.”
Springer’s remarks shouldn’t be a surprise as he saw firsthand what Washington can do when both teams met in London, where he took a punt 96 yards for a touchdown.
Target Leader and Slot Weapon
While Trevor Lawrence likes to spread the ball around, through two games his go-to option more often than not has been Washington who has gotten off to a hot start.
As Trevor Lawrence’s WR1, he has recorded 12 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. Given his role as a slot receiver, Washington will likely draw Marcus Jones, which makes for a tough 1-on-1 matchup.
New England Blue Print
For the Patriots to leave Jacksonville with a win, the game plan is simple. Limit Parker Washington’s production both in the return game and the passing game. This means that on both Kuhr’s and Springer’s units, clean tackling in space and limiting yards after the catch are a must.
With an offense as explosive as Jacksonville’s, you need a secondary that’s equally ready for the task and can back it up on the field. Luckily for New England, if at full strength, the team’s defense will have a trio of cornerbacks who are each capable of locking down their opposing receiver and keeping Jacksonville’s top weapon contained.
