Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, the league announced following his standout performance in the team's 38-33 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
Laube, a third-year player from Long Island, delivered a game-changing play in the second quarter. After the Jets took a 13-7 lead with an 18-yard touchdown, Laube returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, swiftly putting the Raiders back in front. This marked the first kickoff return touchdown in the NFL this season. He also contributed a special teams tackle during the game.
His performance came in front of his parents, who were in attendance at MetLife Stadium. Laube, who used to attend Giants games at the stadium with his father, described the return as an "adrenaline rush" and admitted he was largely unaware of the details of the play as it unfolded, stating, "I have no idea what’s going on the whole play."
Prior to this week, Laube led the NFL in qualified kickoff return yards per attempt, averaging 31.1 yards. His 95-yard return was not the first long gain of his season, having previously broken a 53-yard return against the Chiefs. The Raiders' win over the Jets snapped a four-game losing streak.
Laube's ability to make an impact extends beyond kick returns. The article notes his willingness to make tackles downfield, highlighting that he "still has to go downfield and get somebody on the ground," underscoring his value to the Raiders' special teams unit.
With this performance and recognition, Laube's impact is drawing attention as the Raiders prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers next. The Jets' struggle to tackle him on the return provides a clear example of his capabilities for future opponents to study.