2007 All-seasons K news (1 Viewer)

[Mike Herman]

DRAFT PROSPECT

News from Colorado Pro Day

Mason Crosby worked out extensively for a scout from the New York Giants and pounded several kickoffs through the end zone. Crosby's postseason body of work is now fairly extensive, because he has kicked for all 32 teams at the Senior Bowl and the combine. No teams asked Crosby to kick field goals Friday. He said he plans to hold private workouts in the coming weeks for any teams that want to see him. "I'm just happy with the whole process," Crosby said. "I thought I hit the ball well."

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[Jeff Pasquino]

Mike,

Did you see that Tony Yelk was signed in Jacksonville?

 

[Mike Herman]

Mike,Did you see that Tony Yelk was signed in Jacksonville?

Yelk will provide competition to veteran punter Chris Hanson for the punting job. One perk for Yelk is that he could serve as an emergency backup to Josh Scobee for kickoffs and/or placekicking.

 

[Mike Herman]

DRAFT PROSPECT

News from Arizona Pro Day

UA seniors Syndric Steptoe, Nick Folk and Marcus Smith also participated in the festivities in hopes of getting drafted. Folk only did the bench press during the strength and speed drills, putting up 14 reps, and then kicked field goals with a scout from Baltimore looking on.

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[Mike Herman]

CINCINNATI

The Bengals signed P Kyle Larson, one of the team’s restricted free agents, to a one-year contract. Larson (6-1, 204; Nebraska) is a fourth-year NFL player in 2007. He broke into the NFL’s top ten last season in two major categories, ranking fifth in net punting average (38.6) and eighth in gross punting average (44.5). He also has been the team’s holder on place kicks his entire career, aiding club-record streaks by K Shayne Graham of 17 straight FGs and 158 straight PATs.

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[Mike Herman]

ATLANTA

P/K Michael Koenen resigned with the Falcons. He was an Exclusive Rights Free Agent.

 

[Keg]

any news or insight on connor hughes?

 

[Mike Herman]

any news or insight on connor hughes?

Allocated to NFLE by the Steelers. He survived the tryouts, and will be playing for the Rhein Fire.

 

[Keg]

any news or insight on connor hughes?

Allocated to NFLE by the Steelers. He survived the tryouts, and will be playing for the Rhein Fire.

thanks

 

[Mike Herman]

NEW ORLEANS

The Saints have had no additional contact with kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who visited during the first week of free agency. The team never offered Vanderjagt a contract, his agent, Gil Scott, said.

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John Carney's days as the Saints kicker might be over. The team already brought in Mike Vanderjagt and it might take a look at Miami's Olindo Mare, who could be released.

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[Mike Herman]

ATLANTA

Signed Aaron Elling. He was out of the NFL last year, and handled kickoffs for Baltimore in 2005.

 

[Mike Herman]

MIAMI

Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare is publicly handling life in NFL limbo in stride. Although his departure from the franchise is inevitable, Mare just completed his first week of participation in the Dolphins' offseason workout program. Spotted from a distance leaving team headquarters Friday, a smiling Mare yelled to a reporter, "Can't talk."

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron talked about the Mare situation for the first time since the team signed Jay Feely away from the New York Giants earlier this month as his replacement. The Dolphins will release Mare if unable to trade him. "He's handled what people are trying to make a very difficult situation," Cameron said. "I think we all understand when you're in this business, things come back around. Who knows where he'll be kicking this year, three years, five years from now. He understands that because we all know he's a talented guy."

The Dolphins don't feel compelled to release Mare immediately because he was recently paid a $250,000 roster bonus. It's also believed Mare collected $140,000 in incentive money from last year after surpassing his field-goal total from 2005 by making his 26th kick in the season finale.

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[Mike Herman]

SEATTLE

Kicker Josh Brown was in attendance for some of the festivities at Hugh Hefner's 81st Birthday Weekend.

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[Jeff Pasquino]

SEATTLE

Kicker Josh Brown was in attendance for some of the festivities at Hugh Hefner's 81st Birthday Weekend.

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wait...

 

[Hairy Snowman]

nice party.

Whats that have to do with K-Rob?

 

[Mike Herman]

MIAMI

Just two days after coach Cam Cameron praised him for his handling of a "difficult situation," Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare called the team out Sunday night for letting him twist in the wind after signing a player to replace him. "This is heartbreaking for me to leave, but I know it's time and I don't have a choice," Mare said with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus by his side. "I just want to get it over with. ... I don't understand the hold-up." Mare became expendable when the Dolphins signed Jay Feely to a three-year contract March 8. Since that time, Mare and Rosenhaus contend, the Dolphins have had trade offers from other teams but have failed to act. To expedite his departure, Mare said he offered last week to return his $250,000 roster bonus in exchange for his release to no avail. "It's embarrassing, that's what it is, that one of the all-time great players in the history of the franchise is being left to float around like this," Rosenhaus said. "This is a deal that should get done in five minutes."

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[Mike Herman]

MIAMI

More from the riveting drama unfolding in Florida...

Kicker Olindo Mare's impassioned request to be released has fallen upon deaf ears. The Dolphins have unsuccessfully tried trading Mare since signing former Giants kicker Jay Feely earlier this month as his replacement. "We're going to do what's right, but we also have to do what's right for the Dolphins," GM Randy Mueller said. "He's a valued commodity for some and we're going to do what's best for us. That's just part of the business."

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[Mike Herman]

CLEVELAND

The rumor the Browns were interested in trading for Miami kicker Olindo Mare may have been planted by agent Drew Rosenhaus. The Browns haven't made a big denial of the rumor, perhaps hoping it lights a fire under Phil Dawson. "I just think he's got to get it back on track," said Browns General Manager Phil Savage. "He had a sub-par second half of the year."

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[Bri]

The Mare stuff is a shame if it drags out long. I do see the Fins point in trying to get something for him but IMO it's unprofessional to say you don't want a player and keep him. After a time, waiting for the right trade just becomes making him sit out of the free agency market.

They could have said they wanted a camp competition and were keeping him but they didn't so....

 

[Mike Herman]

DALLAS

Quarterback Tony Romo will not be kicker Martin Gramatica's holder any longer, but not because Romo botched the snap against the Seahawks that cost the Cowboys a playoff victory. Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said he doesn't want his starting quarterback to be the holder to help protect against injury. Phillips isn't sure who will get the job. The best bet is new backup quarterback Brad Johnson, an experienced holder.

Before Romo, the Cowboys used punter Mat McBriar, but he botched a hold in the season-opening loss to Minnesota in 2004. Romo botched a hold at Qwest Field that denied Gramatica a chance for a 19-yard field goal that would have given the Cowboys a 23-21 lead over the Seahawks with 1:14 remaining. The Cowboys lost 21-20.

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[Kleck.]

Olindo Mare, K MIA

News: The Saints have dealt the Dolphins a sixth-round pick in exchange for PK Olindo Mare. Mare made 26-of-36 field goals last season with 22 extra points. Mare is a career 80.9 percent field goal kicker, missing five of 318 extra points over his career. The Dolphins acquired Jay Feely earlier this offseason to perform their kicking duties.

Analysis: Mare's arrival likely means the end of John Carney in New Orleans, which completely robs him of Fantasy value for the time being. Mare, on the other hand, jumps into the mix as a top-15 Fantasy kicker worthy of being a solid bye-week replacement, if not a low-end starter all season thanks to the Saints' potent offense that he'll work with. Kicking indoors in the NFC South will also help his cause.

 

[Mike Herman]

NEW ORLEANS

The Saints traded a sixth-round pick for kicker Olindo Mare on Tuesday, a move that could signal the end of John Carney's days in New Orleans. Mare, who spent his first 10 seasons with the Miami Dolphins, has been one of the league's most consistent kickers, making 81 percent of his field-goal attempts and earning a Pro Bowl trip in 1999. He also is among the league's best on kickoffs. He has led the NFL in touchbacks since 1999, including a league-high 24 last season.

Neither Saints Coach Sean Payton nor General Manager Mickey Loomis was available for comment Tuesday. But Carney's agent, Jack Mills, speculated that Carney will likely be granted his release by the Saints. "John is assessing his position, but it's most likely that he will choose to be someplace else," said Mills, who also said he believes the Saints would allow Carney to leave, even if they don't plan to release him. Retirement could be a possibility.

Carney, who has been with the Saints the past six years, had the most accurate season of his 17-year career in 2006, making 25 of 27 field-goal attempts, including the playoffs. But the Saints kept two kickers on the roster for much of the season so Billy Cundiff, who has a stronger leg, could kick off. Carney attempted one field goal from 50 yards or more last season. And Payton chose Cundiff to attempt a 47-yarder at Chicago in the playoffs in a key third-quarter situation. Cundiff was short on that kick in the nasty weather at Soldier Field.

"It's all part of a process, as you know. It was a business decision," Dolphins General Manager Randy Mueller said in a conference call with the Miami media. "I think it's good for everybody. (New Orleans) was one place Olindo wanted to go and kick. They're a really good team, and you know how kickers are. They like to get indoors. Good for him. Olindo is a guy who gave his heart and soul to the Dolphins for 10 years. Sometimes change is a part of this business. We elected to take a different route. It's nothing bad about Olindo. We all like and respect him."

Mare is due $1.5 million in each of the next three seasons, with roster bonuses of $250,000 in 2008 and 2009. The Dolphins already paid his roster bonus this year, hoping they would get some value back in a trade. arney is due $770,000 this year, the final year of his contract. Carney, who turns 43 this month, ranks fourth in NFL history with 1,758 points. He went to the Pro Bowl in 1994 with the San Diego Chargers and kicked in Super Bowl XXIX, making his only field-goal attempt from 31 yards.

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[Mike Herman]

KANSAS CITY

Re-signed restricted free agent Lawrence Tynes yesterday.

 

[Mike Herman]

NEW ORLEANS

John Carney said he was shocked and disappointed by the Saints' decision to replace him after six years as their kicker. But he was not upset, and he leaves New Orleans on good terms. Carney denied reports that he plans to retire. He said he was excited about playing for the Saints again this year, and he still hopes to kick for another team this season. The Saints elected to go with a younger kicker with a stronger leg when they traded a sixth-round pick for the Miami Dolphins' Olindo Mare on Tuesday. Carney said he asked the Saints to grant him his release and expects that to happen in the next 24 hours. Saints officials have not been reached for comment on the subject.

Always one of the most community-minded individuals in the locker room, Carney prepared a statement to express his appreciation for the time he and his family spent in New Orleans. It read:

To the Faithful of New Orleans:

My time of wearing the Fleur de Lis has come to a close. For six seasons, I have been blessed and privileged to represent the most faithful, loyal fans that the NFL has to offer. This was never so evident than during this magical season of 2006. Monday night football will never reach the pitch and purpose it met on the night of September 25th.

New Orleans is a city regaining its strength and swagger, and the Saints are proud to be leading the way. My family and I have been forever imprinted with the style, culture and kindness of the South. Through triumphs and tragedies, the perseverance and integrity of the New Orleans' people is far stronger than politics and hurricanes.

I leave New Orleans a far better man, looking for a team in need of a wrinkled foot, sure to soon be missing great friends of the South, with the knowledge that my taste buds will always yearn for one more Drago's charbroiled oyster!

May God bless the city of New Orleans. Thank ya'll for the support and class you showed me during my Saint's career. Best wishes and God speed,

John Carney

#3

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[psychobillies]

NEW ORLEANS

John Carney said he was shocked and disappointed by the Saints' decision to replace him after six years as their kicker. But he was not upset, and he leaves New Orleans on good terms. Carney denied reports that he plans to retire. He said he was excited about playing for the Saints again this year, and he still hopes to kick for another team this season. The Saints elected to go with a younger kicker with a stronger leg when they traded a sixth-round pick for the Miami Dolphins' Olindo Mare on Tuesday. Carney said he asked the Saints to grant him his release and expects that to happen in the next 24 hours. Saints officials have not been reached for comment on the subject.

Always one of the most community-minded individuals in the locker room, Carney prepared a statement to express his appreciation for the time he and his family spent in New Orleans. It read:

To the Faithful of New Orleans:

My time of wearing the Fleur de Lis has come to a close. For six seasons, I have been blessed and privileged to represent the most faithful, loyal fans that the NFL has to offer. This was never so evident than during this magical season of 2006. Monday night football will never reach the pitch and purpose it met on the night of September 25th.

New Orleans is a city regaining its strength and swagger, and the Saints are proud to be leading the way. My family and I have been forever imprinted with the style, culture and kindness of the South. Through triumphs and tragedies, the perseverance and integrity of the New Orleans' people is far stronger than politics and hurricanes.

I leave New Orleans a far better man, looking for a team in need of a wrinkled foot, sure to soon be missing great friends of the South, with the knowledge that my taste buds will always yearn for one more Drago's charbroiled oyster!

May God bless the city of New Orleans. Thank ya'll for the support and class you showed me during my Saint's career. Best wishes and God speed,

John Carney

#3

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Very classy way to go out.

 

[Mike Herman]

NEW ORLEANS

As expected and as he requested, the Saints released John Carney the other day.

DRAFT PROSPECT

Mason Crosby could be one of the Best - The NFL's most attractive Draft Prospect gets even better - See the Field Goal and Kick Off breakdown. Paul Assad "known as the Kick Doctor" has Coached them both - he breaks down technique myths - NFL Personnel are surprised when Assad says Crosby is better - See overview and technique observations. Crosby is comparable to the NFL's Highest Paid Kicker - He might just be worth more to a team looking to not only solidify the position - his long field goal threat and ability to smash long-high kick off's make him a weapon. Most NFL Coaches didn't understand Janikowski's technique - now his set up position and leg action is the model for upcoming talent of the Pro College Football Kicking, Punting and Long Snapping Performance Training School.

PRO COLLEGE FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE CAMP ILLUSTRATIONS OF MASON CROSBY'S 65 YARD FIELD GOAL

Illust. A : His Pre Stance position - doesn't have to overcome off balance momentum he used to face the ball slightly sometimes this caused a push on extremely long kicks because he couldn't get the ball fast enough with the velocity he was creating. Adjustment - Starting with the Left Foot downfield the kicking foot's first step can naturally release toward the plant position.

Illust. B : Timing Step - After missing some kicks at the NFL Combine - this is the NFL's biggest knock on his technique because he steps downfield with a large step forward it would sometimes create an extreme angle toward the ball - his recent adjustment of in prestance has softened this up and he is more balanced and fluent into his jab step.

Illust. C : Jab Step with the Kick Foot - small step stays balanced with body over his setting up his drive to plant step stride with balance.

Illust. D : With his recent slight adjustment of angle he's balanced and is fluently moving toward the plant foot not the ball to set up his position and kicking swing lane.

Illust. E : "Stacked It" - His deep plant position helps him get his weight over the ball on his plant which acts an "Axis" to pull the kicking and assist upswing thru impact. His hips are open to the ball not downfield with his weight forward which helps him pulls thru the ball fast and upward.

Illust. F : Force Arm Slide and Fulcrum Placement parallel position - With a wide plant, his upper leg gets the Knee "Fulcrum" in a position to fire the foot thru and upward thru impact.

Illust. G : "Stay Stacked" - By holding position on the plant axis he is able to generate more foot speed then he would with squaring his downfield hip release. When his weight is foward he can hold this position thru the kick with less margin for error where when his weight is not foward like many kickers will compensate with body release or skipping downfield before they have made impact.

Illust. H : Natural Finish - Speed and impact has completed and his natural release from the hips open to the ball can relax where he's finishing square at completion of the kick.

see the link for photos and a similar breakdown of kickoffs

 

[Mike Herman]

MIAMI

The Dolphins could have opted to quickly cut Mare after the franchise had signed former New York Giants kicker Jay Feely as a replacement. Mare, whose 10 years with the franchise ranked him second in seniority on the current roster behind linebacker Zach Thomas (11), also had publicly asked for his release by saying, "It's frustrating ... I just want to get it over with." But Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller wouldn't budge because he believed that Mare had trade value. Mueller was proven right by finalizing a deal with the Saints, who were seeking a replacement for 42-year-old John Carney. "We had a lot of discussions with several teams," Mueller said. "We were waiting until the right deal was there. We felt this was the right time."

Mueller now has to hope that he made the right decision by opting for Feely over Mare, who had a career-low 72.2 field-goal percentage last season but led the NFL with 24 touchbacks. Feely only had 12 touchbacks but he was playing home games in Giants Stadium, where wind conditions usually hinder long-distance kicking. Feely also ranked 11th in the NFL in field goal percentage at 85.2, making 23 of his 27 attempts. "The things we like about Jay were a mental toughness, toughness of kicking in the cold," Mueller said. "We go to some tough places -- Buffalo, New England, New York -- and he's comfortable in that arena."

Mueller wouldn't detail the exact reasons Mare was replaced. But with a slew of other Dolphins being jettisoned or allowed to leave via free agency this off-season, it's obvious Miami is in the midst of a roster makeover. "Sometimes change is a part of this business," Mueller said. "We elected to take a different route. It's nothing bad about Olindo. We all like and respect him. It's no different when you have to release players. Some change is good sometimes."

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[Bri]

KANSAS CITY

Re-signed restricted free agent Lawrence Tynes yesterday.

Hey Mike, why hasn't he been more productive? That was a pretty good O for Ks til Herm came around and their "new" O doesn't seem to be a prob either.

 

[Mike Herman]

NY GIANTS

The Giants signed former UConn kicker Marc Hickok to a free agent contract. Hickok played at UConn from 1999-2002 and is eighth on the school's career scoring list (163 points).

linkOAKLAND

Seabass did not attend the team's voluntary three-day mini-camp.

 

[Mike Herman]

KANSAS CITY

Re-signed restricted free agent Lawrence Tynes yesterday.

Hey Mike, why hasn't he been more productive? That was a pretty good O for Ks til Herm came around and their "new" O doesn't seem to be a prob either.

In 2004, during the height of the Vermeil/Saunders era, the offense was too good. Tynes had only 23 FG attempts, while attempting 60 XPs. 2005 was an ideal kicker season... a strong offense, yet still enough FGs to put KC at 4th in kicker scoring. Last year the XP attempts were down to 36.

 

[Mike Herman]

PHILADELPHIA

The Eagles signed left-footed kicker E.J. Cochrane to a three-year contract, the Montana State product returning for another offseason and training camp. Cochrane, 26, a native of Philadelphia, led the Big Sky Conference in scoring in 2004 after a standout career in football and soccer at Pennsbury High.

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[Please See Mine]

PHILADELPHIA

The Eagles signed left-footed kicker E.J. Cochrane to a three-year contract, the Montana State product returning for another offseason and training camp. Cochrane, 26, a native of Philadelphia, led the Big Sky Conference in scoring in 2004 after a standout career in football and soccer at Pennsbury High.

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I am confused as to why the Eagles signed him to a 3-year contract. Obviously he is not going to make the team unless something goes seriously wrong with Akers. I guess it is better for them cap-wise? But how?

 

[NorrisB]

Doesn't Kris Brown contract jump to an unrealistic number this year?

Is Stover coming back for his 56th season?

Josh Brown was franchise tagged in Seattle, so he gets the avg. of the Top 5 kickers (about 2M).Kris Brown earned $1.2M in 06 and will get $1.35M in 07. Seems realistic.

Stover was drafted in 90, so this will be his 18th year. He turned 39 just before SB XLI.

Yep, Stover is a young pup. John Carney will turn 43 in April. Morten Andersen will turn 47 in August.

what makes you say that?? 39 seems old

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Doesn't Kris Brown contract jump to an unrealistic number this year?

Is Stover coming back for his 56th season?

Josh Brown was franchise tagged in Seattle, so he gets the avg. of the Top 5 kickers (about 2M).Kris Brown earned $1.2M in 06 and will get $1.35M in 07. Seems realistic.

Stover was drafted in 90, so this will be his 18th year. He turned 39 just before SB XLI.

Yep, Stover is a young pup. John Carney will turn 43 in April. Morten Andersen will turn 47 in August.

what makes you say that?? 39 seems old

Just looked at Stover today - he's at $1M this year, $1.2M next. 40 isn't old for a PK. Now, I don't see 5 more years from him, but certainly 2, probably 3-4.

 

[Mike Herman]

NFL EUROPA: BERLIN

Berlin Thunder kicker ANDREW JACAS was named Special Teams Player of the Week after he made league history by becoming the first man to kick a pair of four-point field goals in the same game. Jacas converted kicks covering 53 and 50 yards and added a conversion in a nine-point performance during the Thunder's 15-3 defeat of the Rhein Fire. "I knew coming into this season that I might have a chance to kick one or two 50-yard field goals," Jacas said. "I had been kicking well in practice so I came in prepared. It was a great win, a team win and a very good start for me."

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[Mike Herman]

KANSAS CITY

Chief sign a kicker...

The kicker is Aaron Barret, whose itinerant college career included stops as a football player at New Mexico and Hawaii, and stints as a baseball player at two schools. The Chiefs discovered Barret at a recent kicking camp, and he impressed them at a workout last week in Kansas City. Barret will be a backup in training camp for Lawrence Tynes, a restricted free agent who recently signed his one-year contract offer from the Chiefs.

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[NorrisB]

Couple questions for you Mike:

1. How do you see that Atl kicking situation working out? Still Koenen for long kicks and Anderson for intermediate?

2. Do you think Carney will land somewhere.

3. Any under the radar kickers you like?

 

[Mike Herman]

Couple questions for you Mike:1. How do you see that Atl kicking situation working out? Still Koenen for long kicks and Anderson for intermediate?2. Do you think Carney will land somewhere.3. Any under the radar kickers you like?

1. To date, the Falcons have not re-signed Andersen. They did re-sign Koenen, and they signed Aaron Elling.2. I can see Carney kicking again this year. Perhaps he'll get a call in late August when some other kicker gets hurt, or when some rookie doesn't pan out.3. I'm still adjusting my radar.4. Stover = young pup = sarcasm. Although he's still one of the best in the business. He also did a very good job when he resumed handling kickoffs last year. The year before, Aaron Elling handled them for the Ravens.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Eagles re-sign kicker

The Eagles signed kicker E.J. Cochrane to a three-year contract yesterday, which means the Pennsbury High School product will spend a second straight year learning from David Akers during the team's minicamps and training camp.

Cochrane, 26, impressed the Eagles and Akers in training camp and during the preseason last year, especially with the way he performed on kickoffs. Cochrane, who led the Big Sky Conference in scoring during his senior year at Montana State, participated in three preseason games with the Eagles last summer and made one of his two field-goal attempts.

After being released by the Eagles in late August, he was claimed off waivers by Green Bay, but he did not make the final cut with the Packers, either.

Carnival date. The annual Eagles Carnival has been scheduled for Aug. 19 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.

- Bob Brookover

Linkage

 

[NorrisB]

Ive been hearing alot about Josh Huston from the Giants alot of hype surrounding this guy, you think he'll make good with the starting role Mike?

 

[NorrisB]

NEW YORK

Giants find new kicker...

Giants GM Jerry Reese says the team plans to give Josh Huston a starting chance

linkI really like this kid, he didnt get alot of playing time behind Nugent.

He hit 20-24 kicks at OSU with 0-50 yards and 2 of those were blocked, has a strong powerful leg, can kick off as well, maybe its time for him to make your top 32 in your kicker rankings Jeff.

 

[Mike Herman]

DENVER

The Patriots went into free agency with the right of first refusal on Todd Sauerbrun's contract, but Sauerbrun contended that such a clause was invalid because it was not written separately from said contract. Denver subsequently signed Sauerbrun to an offer sheet, but the Patriots matched the deal, sending the impasse between Sauerbrun and the Patriots to a special master, who ruled in Sauerbrun's favor. The 13-year veteran punter wasted little time in coming to terms and signing a deal with the Broncos. He spent Friday meeting with special teams coordinator Scott O'Brien -- under whom he punted during his years with the Carolina Panthers -- and also talked with Head Coach Mike Shanahan. Sauerbrun said that he plans to return to Denver for the start of organized team activities in March. He also said it's possible that he will end up replacing Jake Plummer as the holder on Jason Elam's placekicks, citing the fact that O'Brien utilized punters as holders for Carolina placekicker John Kasay.

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[Jeff Pasquino]

NEW YORK

Giants find new kicker...

Giants GM Jerry Reese says the team plans to give Josh Huston a starting chance

linkI really like this kid, he didnt get alot of playing time behind Nugent.

He hit 20-24 kicks at OSU with 0-50 yards and 2 of those were blocked, has a strong powerful leg, can kick off as well, maybe its time for him to make your top 32 in your kicker rankings Jeff.

Not until he actually wins a job.He was brought in to kick for Chicago IIRC after last year's draft but had no shot.

Now, here's what GM Jerry Reese really had to say on Giants.com:

*On whether the Giants will add a veteran kicker. The two kickers now on the roster are Josh Huston and Marc Hickok. Neither of them has played an NFL game.

“We might have to bring in a veteran kicker,” Reese said. “We’re very aware of that. We have some young kickers on the roster now, and we’re going to see what happens to them.

“We’ll see how these guys kick through OTAs (spring workouts) and through the offseason. If they’re not kicking worth a crap, we’ll go get a veteran kicker and bring him in. But right now they’re kicking pretty good. We’ll see how that works out.”

Hardly a ringing endorsement of Huston.Vanderjagt, Carney and a few other vets are still out there. Giants Stadium also isn't the greatest place to kick.

 

[Mike Herman]

NFL EUROPA: FRANKFURT

British kicker Rhys Lloyd scored a record-tying 56-yard field goal as Frankfurt beat Cologne in NFL Europa. The Dover-born 24-year-old, whose parent club is the Baltimore Ravens, helped the Galaxy to a 18-13 win. His kick, with four seconds remaining in the first half, matched the league's longest field goal set six years ago by Danny Kight of Dusseldorf Rhein Fire. Lloyd moved to America aged 15 and played for the University of Minnesota, joining Baltimore in May 2005.

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[Mike Herman]

NY GIANTS

The Giants brought in four kickers the day [Marc] Hickok worked out. Among them were Mike Vanderjagt, a nine-year veteran, and Paul Edinger, in his seventh year. Hickok, undaunted by his competition and the conditions, nailed 11 of his 14 attempts, including the 55-yarder. He even earned a compliment from Vanderjagt after booming a kickoff five yards deep into the end zone.

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[Slinger]

Bob Henry has Michael Koenen as Atlanta's Kicker on the FBG's depth chart when it should be Aaron Elling.

 

[Mike Herman]

Nick Folk - Dallas, 6th round

"The key thing with him was leg strength. We think he's a developing kicker. It's no slight on Martin (Gramatica). Like every position, you can have competition."

- HC Wade Phillips

Mason Crosby - Green Bay, 6th round

"We just felt like (Crosby) was a value pick. (We) didn't think he'd be there. It was a way to bring competition, which I think is especially important at the kicker and specialist positions. And that's what it's going to be - it's going to be competition."

- GM Ted Thompson

"I thought (Rayner) had a good year, being here for the first time. As far as the field goal percentage is concerned, I thought he could have done a little better. There's some things he needs to continue to work on, which we talked about during the course of the offseason. ... He did a pretty good job for the first year. Again, it's all about competition. I don't think that anybody here likes to think that 8-8 is good enough. And I think that's why this is happening."

- STC Mike Stock

Justin Medlock - Kansas City, 5th round

"Oh yeah, we're going to create competition, but I think [Tynes] is a fine kicker, I really do."

- HC Herm Edwards (earlier this year)

"I’d have to say it’s surprising how fast this has changed. We’ve gone from discussing a long-term contract to having them draft a kicker."

- Lawrence Tynes

"The key to a field goal kicker, and this I’ve learned, is you want the guy when you get to the 30, it’s pretty good money that he’s going to make ‘em. That’s what this guy has been able to do all of his career. He’s kicked in a lot of pressure games."

- HC Herm Edwards (after the draft)

"Probably the most accurate kicker in this year’s draft, and on long kicks too. I think he was six of nine on long kicks. He kicked off very well at the (scouting) Combine with the NFL ‘K’ ball. In his entire career he’s been 80 percent. His senior year he made a lot of kicks he had to make to help the Bruins stay close or win. I went down to Gunther Cunningham’s office after we did this (drafting Medlock) and told him you officially will play good defense and we’ll kick field goals."

- President Carl Peterson

 

[Bri]

Mike,

Keogel Koegel....something like that Punter from "small school" with incredible ability to place the ball.

Yeah it's after the draft and I'm still catching up but...did he land anywhere?

IF the stuff on him is real and not hype, that's such a "lost art" I'd figure he could find a job in the NFL wouldn't you?

thought?

 

[Mike Herman]

Mike,Keogel Koegel....something like that Punter from "small school" with incredible ability to place the ball.Yeah it's after the draft and I'm still catching up but...did he land anywhere?IF the stuff on him is real and not hype, that's such a "lost art" I'd figure he could find a job in the NFL wouldn't you?thought?

Christian Koegel, Massachusetts... wasn't drafted, but will likely end up in some teams camp.

 

[Bri]

Mike,Keogel Koegel....something like that Punter from "small school" with incredible ability to place the ball.Yeah it's after the draft and I'm still catching up but...did he land anywhere?IF the stuff on him is real and not hype, that's such a "lost art" I'd figure he could find a job in the NFL wouldn't you?thought?

Christian Koegel, Massachusetts... wasn't drafted, but will likely end up in some teams camp.

think he's got a good shot at making an NFL team?