St. Louis – Rams DE Robert Quinn and P Johnny Hekker were once again recognized for their outstanding seasons Friday as both players were named 2013 First-Team All-Pro team by Associated Press.
Quinn and Hekker are the first Rams to be First-Team All-Pro selections since DE Leonard Little, WR Torry Holt and OT Orlando Pace earned the honors in 2003. Hekker is the first Rams punter selected to the AP first team since Dale Hatcher did so in 1985. Both Quinn and Hekker were named to their first career Pro Bowls last Friday.
Quinn finished second in the NFL with 19.0 sacks, which is the most by a Ram since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. Hekker set a new NFL single-season record for net punting average (44.2).
In addition to leading the NFC in sacks, Quinn finished second in the NFL with seven forced fumbles and coaches credited him with a team-high 18 tackles for loss this season. He recovered two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown.
Quinn led a Rams pass rush that ranked third in the NFL with 53 sacks this season. The Rams also ranked ninth in the NFL against the run, and Quinn’s presence on the edge certainly played a key role in St. Louis’ ability to shut down opposing running backs. At the conclusion of his third NFL season, Quinn boasts 34.5 career sacks. His 29.5 sacks since the start of the 2012 season are the second most among all defenders in that time frame.
Hekker led the NFL in net punting average this season as he broke Andy Lee’s 2011 record of 44.0. Due to Hekker’s high, well-placed kicks, opponents averaged just 2.6 yards per return against the rams this season, the lowest total in NFL. Hekker had just four touchbacks in 78 punts and placed 19 punts inside the opponents’ 20 yard line.
The Associated Press All-Pro Teams are voted upon by a panel of 50 NFL writes
