The Seahawks dug themselves a deep hole against the Buccaneers in Week Nine, but they dug their way out of it for a 27-24 overtime victory.
Punt returner Golden Tate had a lot to do with that turnaround and he’s been named the NFC special teams player of the week as a result. Down 24-14 in the third quarter, Tate broke free for a 71-yard return to set up a Seahawks field goal that drew them within one score.
In overtime, Tate had an eight-yard punt return to set the Seahawks up on their own 40-yard line for the drive that ended with Steve Hauschka’s game-winning kick. Tate is now the only player in the NFL with 300-plus yards as both a wide receiver and a punt returner this season.
Panthers kicker Graham Gano and Packers linebacker Jabari Lattimore were also nominees for the honor this week.