San Diego Chargers punter Mike Scifres earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced Wednesday, after booting nine punts — five of which landed inside the 15-yard line — in the Chargers 13-6 win over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
Scifres’ nine punts, the second most of his career, played an integral role in keeping the Raiders deep in their own territory, which was especially important in a game that featured only one touchdown.
“(Scifres was) outstanding,” coach Mike McCoy said in his post-game press conference Sunday. “Pinning them deep in a game like that when you’re playing field position is outstanding. When you’re pinning them back there, (it forces a) different mentality as a quarterback knowing what could happen if there’s pressure on you.”
This marks the second time that Scifres has won the award in his career (the other time was during the 2012 season), and he is the fourth member of the Bolts to win an AFC Player of the Week award, including tight end Antonio Gates (offensive), defensive end Corey Liuget (defensive)and kicker Nick Novak (special teams).