Many were surprised when the Tennessee Titans released longtime punter Brett Kern ahead of the 2022 season. But now it looks like a genius move because undrafted rookie Ryan Stonehouse, Kerr's replacement, has been booming punts at a historic rate.
#Titans rookie punter Ryan Stonehouse came into today’s game leading the NFL in punting average at 56.3 yard and somehow raised that average to over 57 yards per punt with a ridiculous 60.3 average today, including a 70-yarder. NFL single season record is 51.4.
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) September 26, 2022
Through three games, Stonehouse clearly has been the league's best punter, averaging nearly two yards more per punt than his closest competitor, Kansas City's Tommy Townsend. This 70-yard punt came late in the Titans' 24-22 victory over the Raiders, making it harder for Las Vegas to mount a potential tying drive.
FOR. THE. BRAND. @_RyanStonehouse
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 25, 2022
: Watch #LVvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/YcdC9R8h8y
Stonehouse's play could make a difference for a team battling injuries and lackluster play calling on offense. He also has a fan in Kern, who is a free agent.
Brett Kern on Ryan Stonehouse and being sentimental in case this was it. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/5dpcIo1qwb
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 28, 2022
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