FOXBORO -- He's been called "Greg the Leg" and "Leg-a-tron." Only a rookie, Rams rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein has already made a name for himself with his long-distance kicks.
Last week against the Packers, he nailed a 43-yarder and a 50-yarder in his team's 30-20 loss. He leads the league in field goals made from 50 yards or longer with five. He's also made seven kicks from between 40 and 49 yards away. In the Rams' Week 5 win over the Cardinals, 17-3, Zuerlein broke a team record with a 58-yard field goal and then broke his own record later in the game with a 60-yarder.
The Rams go to him often, too. He's second in the league in field-goals made with 17 behind only Lawrence Tynes of the Giants (19).
Rookie punter Johnny Hekker has also opened eyes with his kicks, averaging 49 yards per punt.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick has taken note of both first-year wonders before seeing them out in London this weekend.
"They've got two big legs," Belichick said Thursday. "Both punter and kicker they can change field position. It lends out a lot of touchbacks abnd obviously great range on field goals. Impressive. Good strong legs with their specialists."