Leon Washington Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
By author
Leon Washington will be named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week by the National Football League today.
No big surprise there.
Last Sunday, Washington led the Seahawks to a 27-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers at home. He compiled over 250 yards on only four kickoff returns, including two returned for touchdowns. Both touchdowns occurred in critical moments during the second half of the football game.
As good as Washington was, it is almost unbelievable that he was very close to returning a third kickoff for a touchdown. While trying to make a move on San Diego’s Nate Kaeding, Washington tripped himself up and fell to the ground.
Washington has yet to make a big impact outside of special teams, but he has already been a steal for Seattle’s front office. Seattle traded close to nothing to acquire Washington, who was recovering from a nasty leg injury suffered last season.
Thanks to New York, his acquisition has already won one game for the Seahawks this season. And because he switched teams, Washington is the only player to lead two NFL teams (Jets, Seahawks) in kicks returned for touchdowns.
During Seattle’s pathetic two-year run that included only nine wins, the team desperately needed a playmaker. It could be argued that there was not one player capable of changing the game with a single touch.
It appears the Seahawks have added at least one playmaker this season in Leon Washington.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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