Philadelphia’s offense struggled to sustain drives in parts of its 24-22 Week 1 victory over Washington. Braden Mann kept those possessions from becoming complete losses. Mann punted seven times for 361 yards, averaging 51.6 yards per attempt. He placed four punts inside Washington’s 20-yard line and produced a 64-yard bomb.
His work became particularly valuable while the Eagles opened the second half with three consecutive three-and-outs. Philadelphia needed its punter and coverage units to prevent Washington from consistently receiving short fields.
Special-teams coordinator Michael Clay praised Mann’s directional control and his ability to place the ball where the coverage team expected it. That predictability allows the gunners to maintain
their lanes and attack the returner without guessing where the kick will land. One of Mann’s best efforts came late in the first half. His 51-yard punt traveled toward the corner and was downed at Washington’s 2-yard line after Philadelphia’s coverage players avoided touching the ball into the end zone.
Mann also punted 64 and 62 yards, with Darius Cooper helping finish the coverage.
Punting rarely becomes the central storyline after a victory, but field position mattered in a game Philadelphia won by two points. Mann repeatedly forced Washington to travel longer distances and helped protect the defense from the offense’s inconsistent stretches.
That type of complementary performance can become especially important in close divisional games.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Braden Mann has developed into a key weapon for the Eagles
