Spencer Lanning’s Great Week Continues

Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.  Lanning had one of the more remarkable days in recent years when it comes to being a punter.  In addition to kicking off and punting pretty well, Lanning had two unexpected plays that were keys to the Browns victory over the Minnesota Vikings.  

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning (5) throws a touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings on a fake field goal in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns win 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

After a fake punt run by Josh Aubrey that extended a drive, the Browns went for a fake field goal and caught the Vikings completely unaware as Jordan Cameron was left wide open to the right.  Lanning simply stood up and put a pass on him which Cameron got into the end zone.  Lanning’s quarterback rating is a solid 152.1, which only puts him second in the league.  He also draws even with Brandon Weeden for touchdown passes for the season.

Later in the game, Billy Cundiff strained a quad and was initially ruled out of the game.  It was then reported he might try to kick if they needed a field goal.  Ultimately, they just decided to have Cundiff hold for Lanning as he kicked.  Fortunately, Brian Hoyer was able to lead a drive that ended with a touchdown to Cameron, so Lanning only had to kick an extra point.  He made it.  It was more important than some may realize because it forced the Vikings to need a touchdown as opposed to being able to tie with a field goal.

So, for a guy who was expecting to come in and punt as well as kick the ball off, he came out of the game with a touchdown pass and an extra point.  Now, he is also the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.