AJ Cole has yet to have his finest hour.
He was persistent in making that clear when asked if he believes he's playing his best football this season.
Statistically speaking though, he is.
Through nine games, Cole is sitting at career-high marks in yards per punt (52) and percentage of punts downed inside the 20-yard line (50 percent). He's also leading the league in net yards per punt (47.3) and is Pro Football Focus' highest graded punter at 89.6.
In Week 9 against the New York Giants, he set the single-game NFL record for highest punt average (min. four punts) with a whooping 63.6 yards per punt. Cole didn't realize he broke the record until one of the Raiders media relations coordinators texted him about it that night.
"I didn't even know what the record was or who had it," Cole said. "It's not something I set as a goal like, 'I want to accomplish this.' But in hindsight, it's really cool I got to do it. I think it's a record that belongs within the Raiders organization with the history of punters here. I'm happy I was able to get it."
The recent success of the two-time Pro Bowler has not made him content by any means. It's only made the fire within himself burn brighter.
"I think if you say you're reaching the peak, it's only downhill from here on out. I don't believe that," Cole said. "I don't see why there's any reason I can't continue to improve. There are plenty of things that I still feel I can get better at and continue to improve. I wouldn't say there's any theoretical peak, a peak is really just what you establish as. I'm always going to think that my best football is ahead of me."
Cole's contributions haven't gone unnoticed by Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce. During Friday morning media availability, he said the punter was voted Player of the Week by the locker room, and was rewarded with a prime parking spot at the practice facility.
"What AJ did the other night, I don't think we talked enough about it," said Pierce. "The NFL single-game record, changed field position for us, the coverage unit was great, the protection unit was good. Just to watch how those guys celebrated and [understood] what he accomplished.
"Our special teams has been our core," he added. "They've probably been the strength of our team each and every game, giving us opportunities. Along with [Daniel] Carlson, they've done an outstanding job along with our kicking coverage.
Cole's record-breaking performance is also a representation of the cohesiveness with his fellow special teamers. This is his fifth season as teammates with All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson, and the two are continuing to build their relationship with special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, in his second year with the team, and long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer, who was brought in this offseason.
"I've played my entire career with Daniel so the trust that me and him have in each other and the working relationship we have is super helpful on gameday," said Cole. "And I think Bob [Bobenmoyer] has done an awesome job this year coming in. We've put a lot of time in, put a lot of work in throughout the spring, throughout the summer, Training Camp, early part of the season, so it's cool to see it kind of paying off. He's been snapping really, really well lately and so we're appreciative of all the work he put in.
"The battery and the trust we have in each other is definitely important."
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 10 game at Allegiant Stadium, take a look back at past matchups between the Silver and Black and the New York Jets.
A program from the Raiders regular season home game against the New York Jets at Frank Youell Field, Sunday, November 22, 1964, in Oakland, Calif.
A program from the Raiders regular season home game against the New York Jets at Frank Youell Field, Sunday, December 12, 1965, in Oakland, Calif.
The Raiders line up to kick a PAT during the home game against the New York Jets at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 1967. The Oakland Raider won 38-29.
Raiders tight end Billy Cannon (33) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 22, 1968, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Charlie Smith (23) heads to the end zone on a 43-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 22, 1968, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders center Jim Otto (00) and quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at the Shea Stadium, Sunday, November 30, 1969.
Raiders quarterback/kicker George Blanda (16) kicks a PAT during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium, Sunday, December 6, 1970, in New York, N.Y.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) passes during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium, Sunday, December 6, 1970, in New York, N.Y.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) passes during the post season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 15, 1983, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season xxx game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 15, 1983, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Stanley Adams (59) and defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) rush the quarterback during the preseason home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Friday, August 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) sacks the quarterback during the preseason home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Friday, August 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Rod Martin (53) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 8, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders kicker Chris Bahr (10) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 8, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif. The Los Angeles Raiders won 31-0.
Raiders defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 8, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 8, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Darryl Byrd (54) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 8, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Monday, October 10, 1989, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Benson (54) goes to make a tackle during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Monday, October 10, 1989, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive end Eddie Anderson (33) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Rocket Ismail (86) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski (76) blocks for quarterback Vince Evans (11) during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders running back Nick Bell (38) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 1995, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive end Aundray Bruce defends during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 1995, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, October 6, 1996, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive end Aundray Bruce (99) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, October 6, 1996, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 1999, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 1999, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Tony Bryant (94) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 1999, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Napoleon Harris (58) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 6, 2002, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Bobby Brooks (55) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 6, 2002, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive tackle Chris Cooper (75) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 6, 2002, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive tackle Rod Coleman (57) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Monday, December 2, 2002, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Eric Allen (21) returns an interception during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Thursday, December 10, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Thursday, December 10, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) rushes during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 12, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive tackle John Parrella (97) and linebacker Travian Smith (56) makes a tackle during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 12, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 12, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) makes a 29-yard touchdown catch during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 12, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) returns a punt for a 78-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders tight end Teyo Johnson (82) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Trace Armstrong (93) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders cornerback Renaldo Hill (22) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 11, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo (8) passes during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 11, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 11, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive back Jarrod Cooper (40) and linebacker Kirk Morrison (52) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 11, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (24) heads t the end zone on a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 11, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders Tommy Kelly (93) and Kevin Huntley (94) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders cornerback Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) passes during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium, Sunday, December 31, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 19, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (24) and linebacker Thomas Howard (53) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 19, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 19, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) stiff arms the defender during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 19, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 70-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) rushes for a 23-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Kevin Burnett (94) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 8, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Adams (28) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 8, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 8, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater (80) heads to the end zone on a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, September 7, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive back Carlos Rogers (27) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, September 7, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, September 7, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive back Tyvon Branch (33) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, September 7, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders wide receiver James Jones (90) makes a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, September 7, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, November 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 36-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, November 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, November 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, November 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back/defensive back Taiwan Jones (22) heads to the end zone on a 59-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, November 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) stiff arms the defender during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, November 1, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Tyrell Adams (58) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes for a 52-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, December 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, December 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, December 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, December 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J.
