The Tennessee Titans may have lost their seventh straight game, choked the division away to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and finished the year with one of the most embarrassing collapses in recent memory, but hey, at least rookie punter Ryan Stonehouse gave the fanbase something to celebrate.
In all seriousness, Stonehouse’s efforts all year long deserve some praise and proper recognition. After not being drafted despite a worthy resume, Stonehouse went on to have a record-setting rookie season.
The Colorado product has officially broken Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh’s 82-year-old record for the highest gross yards per punt over an entire season.
Stonehouse finishes his first season by averaging 53.1 yards per punt, a whole 1.7 yards more than the 51.4 that Baugh averaged back in 1940.
The Colorado State product also smashed the rookie record for the highest net average yards per punt with 44.0, a full 1.36 yards more than the old record.
Stonehouse should’ve received a Pro Bowl nod but still has a chance to make it depending on what happens in the playoffs with the Kansas City Chiefs, as the impressive rookie punter is an alternate and could end up replacing Tommy Townsend if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl.
Tennessee seemingly hit a home run with the signing of Stonehouse, which it needed to when keeping the rookie meant parting ways with Brett Kern. He should be a staple on the team for the foreseeable future.
