The forgotten phase of the game

Fans view the specialists as 'different', only because they don't have the skill set. Hunter Breunig (punter) and David Gonzalez (kicker) are always viewed as unique because they appear to have it easy, but in pressure situations, their job is one nobody wants to have.

On the field, the intensity level is unbearable at times because the magnitude of their kick can have a dramatic outcome on the game, good or bad. If the fans roar and cheer, the kick was solid. If nothing other than the sound of their foot striking the ball is heard, they immediately know they have failed. Regardless of the outcome, the duo has the support of the team, despite how much they may beat themselves up after each attempt.

They both agree their position can be hard, but they wouldn't trade it in for anything. Breunig and Gonzalez downplay how tough their days can be, but the memories of game-winning kicks and punts that pinned opponents deep in their territory outweigh the negatives. They will always see the game differently because when they kick the ball, all eyes are on them.

"It's very uplifting to kick the game-winning field goal or extra point," Gonzalez said. "There is a huge feeling of euphoria afterwards. I get ecstatic and want to jump and scream and get all hyped up after making a kick, just as my team does for a touchdown."

Special teams coordinators are always on edge because they know one wrong step or mistimed drop can make the crowd agitated. However, Jeff Walker has the utmost confidence and respect for Breunig and Gonzalez when their number is called upon. Over the past four years, the duo has grown and progressed at their craft, as Walker had hoped.

"I have a high level of comfort and I sleep well right now," Walker said with an ear-to-ear grin. "I won't next year, but I do right now." He knows that his specialists have the ability to both manipulate the ball and the game, thus his level of enthusiasm.

Gonzalez (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) has improved his accuracy and leg strength since his rookie season in 2011, while Breunig (Lodi, Wis.) has sped up his drop time and distance the past four years after battling other players for their starting spot. It's evident by their statistics and relationship that they can handle difficult situations. The pressure hasn't overwhelmed their careers because they haven't let it.

"I don't think of myself as a game-changer," Breunig said. "I just do what I have to do. A good athlete has to bounce back from the negatives and perform well the next game. The defense may not get blamed for a bad game because the quarterback threw an interception, but when a kicker fails everyone blames them."

Some people give Breunig and Gonzalez sympathy after a bad game, but a few say they solely lost the game; which isn't right. What they do is challenging and mentally strenuous; a job no one wants or can succeed at for that matter.

"Punting is not hard, that's all it is," Breunig said. "It is like any other position; you have to work hard in order to succeed."

They are successful because they hang out like brothers, joking during practice and messing with one another to keep the mood loose. Breunig and Gonzalez have a bond that can't be broken because of their specific abilities. As the season unfolds, they will continue to perfect their craft and mentally prepare for the moment when they can shine.