The kicker made three field goals two from 50-plus yards out in the Falcons' win against the Saints.

Terrin Waack

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, the NFL announced Wednesday.

Gonzalez was responsible for 10 of Atlanta's points in Week 12 as the Falcons snapped their five-game losing streak witha 24-10 victoryagainst the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. In addition to an extra point, he made field goals from 41, 54 and 56 yards out.

It was the third time Gonzalez had multiple successful field goals of 50 yards or more in a single game. He has played in 72 career games and made 14 of his 22 attempts from that distance overall.

Gonzalez is also only the second Falcons kicker to ever make two field goals of 54-plus yards in a single game. The other was Hall of Fame member Morten Andersen onDec. 10, 1995, also against the Saints. Andersen was good from 55 yards twice, helping the Falcons win 19-14.

The Falcons signed Gonzalezback on Nov. 5. Since then, he has made all six of his field-goal attempts and all six of his point-after attempts.

"He plays with great poise, has consistent technique, has a strong leg, and he's played in clutch situations," Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said when Gonzalez arrived in Atlanta. "He joined Washington (last year) when they were on their playoff run, and then, when they got into the playoffs, he was 7 of 8 with making a game-winner to beat Tampa Bay. ...

"So, he's in the building. We're excited to have him. He's one of us, and I look forward to seeing him dominate."

Gonzalez is the third kicker to make the Falcons' active roster this season afterYounghoe KooandParker Romowere both released due to inconsistent play. Koo missed a game-tying field goal in the Falcons' Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Romo missed a game-tying extra point in the Falcons' Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots.

Atlanta needed a kicker it could rely on and early outings indicate Gonzalez could be that guy.

"In today's NFL, with the way that they have even changed some of the rules in the last couple of years, games are going to come down to the final possession more often than not," Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins said in New Orleans. "You see it every Sunday. The kicks are just such a big deal, and you do all you can as an offense to not have to rely on it, but you also know that it can be such a big part of your team's success."

Gonzalez is the third Falcons player to be recognized by the league. Running back Bijan Robinson was named theNFC Offensive Player of the Monthfor September and theNFC Offensive Player of the Weekafter the Falcons' Week 6 win against the Buffalo Bills. Safety Xavier Watts was named theNFL Defensive Rookie of the Monthfor September, too.

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