Jeremy Springer, the Patriots’ special teams coordinator, straight up cannot forget October 20, 2024. That was the day Parker Washington from the Jacksonville Jaguars sliced through New England’s coverage unit for a jaw-dropping 96-yard punt return touchdown, and two seasons later, the memory is still living rent-free in Springer’s head. He confessed Thursday at Gillette Stadium that he still has nightmares about Washington taking that punt to the house in the second quarter. He watches it every year. Every single year. Talk about a play that just sticks with you, right?
The Ghost of London’s End Zone
That infamous punt return went down in London, back when Jerod Mayo was coaching the Patriots and Doug Pederson was calling the shots for the Jaguars. Both head coaches are gone now, and a lot of the players have moved on too. But Springer’s still there, and guess who else is? Parker Washington. This Sunday, they’re set to face off again, and you can bet Springer is feeling the pressure. He knows what’s coming, telling reporters, “Parker Washington is elite. He’s a top three guy, in my opinion, in the NFL.” Springer isn’t just giving props, he’s reflecting on a legitimate threat. Washington’s not just good on offense, he’s “unbelievable on special teams” and “he’s not scared.” The dude is a starting receiver and doesn’t even have to be out there on returns, but he is. That’s a team guy mentality, and Springer respects it big time, even after what happened. He knows the guys blocking for Washington are giving their all because they know how dynamic he truly is.
Washington’s Elusive Threat, Then and Now
Now, here’s the kicker: this season, Washington’s main impact has actually been on offense. In two games, he’s been Jacksonville’s leading receiver, targeted 18 times with 12 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. As a returner? He’s been limited, just three runbacks for a combined 7 yards. But don’t you dare mention that to Springer! He’s not buying the “low return stats” angle. “He’s extremely quick and elusive,” Springer emphasized. “He just has a good feel for making guys miss in space. If you’re on an island with this guy, it’s really hard to bring him down.” Springer knows Washington can “take it to the big field, he can stretch and cut, he can go down the sideline.” The Patriots’ special teams coach is clearly focused on the *potential* for a game-breaking play, not just the stats from a couple of early season games. Elite guys can do anything, and Washington, in Springer’s mind, is definitely elite.
So, this Sunday’s game isn’t just another matchup; it’s a chance for Springer’s unit to finally put those nightmares to rest. The coach is trying to stay focused on the present, saying the past is the past and it’s “just another opportunity” to play a well-coached team. What truly matters for the Patriots is preventing another big play from happening and helping their offense and defense win the game. Can they stop Washington this time around, or will the ghost of that 96-yard return continue to haunt Springer? We’re all gonna find out soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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