Falcons running back-returner Kenjon Barner was elated that he was named the NFC's special-teams player of the week Wednesday.
Barner returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown as he picked up several key blocks along the way in the Falcons’ victory over the Panthers last week.
“I have to give a shout out to those guys in front of me because without them I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Barner said. “It’s a blessing. It’s humbling. I’m always grateful for it when it does happen.”
Who had the best block?
“I’ve got to go (Christian) Blake,” Barner said. “He took a bullet for me. He took a live bullet. It’s No. 13, if you don’t know who that is. I told him, I think I owe you some money. Medical bill, send it my way.”
The return was one yard shy of the franchise record for a punt return for a touchdown, 79 yards by Deion Sanders in 1990.
Barner is the second Falcon to win an NFC player-of-the-week award this season. Place kicker Younghoe Koo won the special-teams award last week.
Barner also had two rushes for 15 yards against the Panthers.
“Kenjon definitely made a couple of nice runs when he got his touches,” Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “Those were both on RPOs (run-pass options) when Kenjon got the ball.”
With Devonta Freeman (foot) and Ito Smith (neck) injured, Barner’s role may increase.
“How would you feel about getting more playing time at what you do?” Barner said. “I’m pretty darn happy. I’m absolutely excited about it. Anytime that I can get out there at my position which I stepped in this league playing, I’m always happy.”
Barner, who has two Super Bowl championships from stints in Philadelphia and New England, is in his first season with the Falcons.
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