Jordan Berry on Pace For Historic Vikings Season
Kirby O'Connor
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It’s no secret that the Minnesota Vikings have had a spotty history on special teams. Coming into 2021, the Vikings cut ties with Britton Colquitt, who had been with the team for the past two seasons.
Colquitt struggled in the preseason, and was the subject of much scrutiny after the first preseason game. Mike Zimmer said his performance that week was “cause for concern.” In the next two preseason games, he returned to his usual form, but Minnesota decided that wouldn’t be good enough for them this season.
With no other options on the roster, Minnesota turned to Australian Jordan Berry. Berry, who had just lost his job for the Pittsburgh Steelers to rookie Pressley Harvin III, has been very solid in his short time in Purple.
In just six games, Berry has punted 28 times. He has answered the call beautifully, and is averaging a gross of 48.4 yards per punt and a net average of 42.8 yards per punt. According to The Football Database, those are both tops in team history.
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Berry’s 48.4 yards per punt is good for sixth best in the NFL for punters with at least 20 punts this season. Of those top six punters by per punt average, Berry is the only one that also does not have a touchback. His seven punts inside the 20 yard line is also fourth best of those top six.
A good punter is crucial in winning close ballgames. Against Carolina, Berry had an excellent punt that forced the Panthers offense to go 96 yards with just two minutes and nine seconds left on the clock. It was a feat that Sam Darnold and company accomplished. Even still, it was an excellent illustration of the difference a great punt can make.
The struggles of the Vikings offense has been apparent at various times, but Berry is flipping the field consistently and keeping his team in ballgames, something Minnesota has needed as they continue to squeak through games.