2015 POD Award: Special Teams Player of the Year

Next up for the 2015 POD Awards is the category for the Detroit Lions' Special Teams Player of the Year. Here are the nominees:

Matt Prater

For the first time since the Jason Hanson days, the Lions didn't have to worry once their kicker took the field. Prater didn't miss a field goal until Week 15, finishing the season 22/24 on field goal attempts. Additionally, Prater finished the season by booting a franchise-record 59-yard field goal, at Soldier Field no less.

Ameer Abdullah

Abdullah finished the season by averaging 29.1 yards per kickoff return, good for second-best in the league. His longest return, a 104-yard scamper in Green Bay, was huge in getting the Lions their first win in Lambeau in over 20 years.

Don Carey

Carey has the thankless job of being in on the Lions' kick and punt return units, but has justified his spot on the roster year after year. 2015 was no exception. Carey led the NFL in special teams tackles this year. His performance was good enough for his teammates to vote him as the 2015 Special Teams MVP.

Sam Martin

Martin finished fourth in the NFL in net yardage for punts, averaging 42.0 net yards per punt. Additionally, Martin only punted the ball through the end zone on just three occasions all year. Thanks to Martin's hangtime and placement, opponents only averaged a punt return of 6.1 yards, sixth-best in the league.