Kicker Battles (1 Viewer)

[Mike Herman]

Bears minicamp news

Josh Huston joked that some of his college buddies are expecting him to continue to boom kickoffs out of the end zone. But he's able to separate fantasy from reality, understanding that in the NFL he'll be kicking a brand-new ball off a smaller one-inch tee from the 30-yard line instead of the 35."Those are three things that you've got to adjust to and I'm getting adjusted to it," he said. "I hit some good balls in (rookie minicamp), but you're not going to see the 75 percent touchback ratio like you do in college."

The Bears are in the process of switching Huston's approach from three steps to two steps. Incumbent Robbie Gould made the same change last summer in training camp with the Patriots. "We think (Huston) could be more consistent," said special teams coordinator Dave Toub. "It's not necessarily going to get (the kick) off any quicker. It's just going to take away the margin of error with that step. "Sometimes it's a long step, sometimes it's a short step. You don't need that step actually. If you can take that step away, there's less of a chance of him making a mistake in his approach."

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[Mike Herman]

Patriots minicamp news

Not many kickers create much of a buzz at such a camp, but Stephen Gostkowski isn’t the average kicker. Gostkowski was selected in the fourth round as a potential replacement for Adam Vinatieri, so the media throng around him was substantial for virtually the entire 45-minute open locker room period. “I’m not used to seeing this many cameras at Memphis,” he joked in reference to his college career. When asked what the Patriots expected of him, Gostkowski had a straightforward response. “Make all your kicks from 40 and in, make all your extra points and make the ones that count.” Sounds like a resume for the guy he is trying to replace. For what it’s worth, Gostkowski wasn’t given the option of wearing Vinatieri’s old No. 4. He was asked to choose between 3 and 5 and went with the former.

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The biggest media hit of minicamp was probably rookie Stephen Gostkowski. Traditionally, kickers aren't much of a drawing card, but the departed Adam Vinatieri was a bonafide icon in New England. Gostkowski, who will wear No. 3, is good-looking, well-spoken and quick-witted (Papa Ginos ads?), and seems to have the same patience with the media as Vinatieri had. He's even a Red Sox fan.

"I was excited when I got the call this is the type of team I wanted to come to," the fourth-round pick out of Memphis said. "Knowing there was a vacant spot, that the guy who kicked last year was gone, that's what you look for coming out of college." As to filling Vinatieri's golden boots, Gostkowski reminded reporters that veteran Martin Gramatica is looking to do the same thing. "Its still early," he said. "Nothings set in stone yet."

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[Mike Herman]

Chicago news

The Bears also announced the release of kicker Matt Fordyce, who signed with the Bears on March 1. His only NFL experience was at training camp with the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 and 2005. Fordyce was waived following each camp. It appears to be a two-man derby between Robbie Gould and undrafted free agent Josh Huston for the placekicking duties.

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[Bri]

Patriots minicamp news

Not many kickers create much of a buzz at such a camp, but Stephen Gostkowski isn’t the average kicker. Gostkowski was selected in the fourth round as a potential replacement for Adam Vinatieri, so the media throng around him was substantial for virtually the entire 45-minute open locker room period. “I’m not used to seeing this many cameras at Memphis,” he joked in reference to his college career. When asked what the Patriots expected of him, Gostkowski had a straightforward response. “Make all your kicks from 40 and in, make all your extra points and make the ones that count.” Sounds like a resume for the guy he is trying to replace. For what it’s worth, Gostkowski wasn’t given the option of wearing Vinatieri’s old No. 4. He was asked to choose between 3 and 5 and went with the former.

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The biggest media hit of minicamp was probably rookie Stephen Gostkowski. Traditionally, kickers aren't much of a drawing card, but the departed Adam Vinatieri was a bonafide icon in New England. Gostkowski, who will wear No. 3, is good-looking, well-spoken and quick-witted (Papa Ginos ads?), and seems to have the same patience with the media as Vinatieri had. He's even a Red Sox fan.

"I was excited when I got the call this is the type of team I wanted to come to," the fourth-round pick out of Memphis said. "Knowing there was a vacant spot, that the guy who kicked last year was gone, that's what you look for coming out of college." As to filling Vinatieri's golden boots, Gostkowski reminded reporters that veteran Martin Gramatica is looking to do the same thing. "Its still early," he said. "Nothings set in stone yet."

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very curious about this K battle.I would think if Martin does well he may have a shot at salvaging his career somehwere else IE if this rook is excellent, he may still have a shot

 

[Mike Herman]

Agentspeak (putting a rosey spin on being unemployed)

The NFL draft is in the books, minicamp season is in full swing, and Paul Edinger is still looking for a team, but is the former Vikings kicker worried? Not according to his agent, Ken Harris, who said Edinger, an unrestricted free agent, is training three times a week at his home in Florida, confident he'll sign somewhere sooner or later. "He's kicking so well on his own right now, I'm not really that concerned at this point if someone calls before camp starts in July or after camp starts," Harris said Wednesday. "Either way, the bottom line is to be in the right place."

As an example, Harris said Edinger might be better off than if he had landed with New England or Green Bay. The Patriots signed Martin Gramatica, then drafted kicker Stephen Gostkowski of Memphis in the fourth round. The Packers signed Billy Cundiff and Dave Rayner. "We wouldn't have wanted to be in that situation," Harris said. "What we really wanted to guard against was being the odd man out."

Harris said he has talked to five or six teams that could be in the market for a kicker this summer. Until an offer comes, agent and player are willing to bide their time. "This is the kind of thing Gary Anderson and Morten Andersen used to do," Harris said. "That's kind of where our heads are at. Paul absolutely wants to play this year, but he wants it to be the right place."

linkWhat we've learned from the above: Edinger is just as good as Morten Andersen and Gary Anderson, but he wouldn't be able to beat out Martin Gramatica, Stephen Gostkowski, Billy Cundiff, and/or Dave Rayner for a job.

AFL news

Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton, who broke his own Arena Football League record for field goal percentage this season, was selected to the Arena Football League's All-Arena First Team on Wednesday. The 2005 AFL "Kicker of the Year," Hamilton is now the first kicker in AFL history to earn back-to-back First Team honors. In addition, this is his third consecutive All-Arena selection, having been named to the Second Team in 2004. Displaying stunning accuracy and consistency, Hamilton was 27-of-36 on field goals in 2006, which translates to a 75 percent success rate. Last season, he cashed in on 74.4 percent (29-of-39) of his field goal attempts, breaking the previous AFL record of 72 percent (18-of-25) set by Jay Taylor of the Orlando Predators in 2004. Hamilton was a near-perfect 25-of-26 (96.2 percent) on his three-pointers from inside of 38 yards and 92-of-98 (93.9 percent, No. 1 in the AFL) on extra points in 2006. For the second consecutive season, he led all AFL kickers in scoring with 173 points (his closest competitor was 29 points behind). Hamilton also finished the 2006 season with 11.5 special teams tackles (tied for No. 18 in the league).

linkRemy played in one game in the NFL last year, subbing for the injured Jason Hanson.

REMY HAMILTON (6-1, 190, Michigan) was selected the 2006 Kicker of the Year as voted by AFL head coaches, players, fans, and the Arena Football League Writers Association (AFLWA).

ALL-TIME KICKER OF THE YEAR WINNERS

SEASON PLAYER, TEAM

2006 Remy Hamilton, Los Angeles Avengers

2005 Remy Hamilton, Los Angeles Avengers

2004 Jay Taylor, Orlando Predators

2003 Clay Rush, Indiana Firebirds

2002 Steve Videtich, New Jersey Gladiators

2001 Brian Gowins, Grand Rapids Rampage

2000 Clay Rush, Iowa Barnstormers

1999 Mike Black, New England SeaWolves

1998 Kenny Stucker, Milwaukee Mustangs

1997 Steve Videtich, New Jersey Red Dogs

1996 Pete Elezovic, Albany Firebirds

1991 Rusty Fricke, Denver Dynamite

1990 Novo Bojovic, Detroit Drive

* No award issued from 1992-95.

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[Razon]

The Packers didn't place-kick in this last mini-camp instead they focused on punting.

But the next mini-camp is suppose to have place-kicking so that should give the first look at who will be the Green Bay Kicker.

 

[Mike Herman]

Atlanta news

The Falcons cut the only experienced place kicker on the roster, releasing former Parkview High product Seth Marler on Thursday. Marler could be re-signed in the near future, the team confirmed. Atlanta signed Marler earlier this month but opted to try to groom its remaining lot of free agents following last weekend's minicamp. Ryan Rossner, Tony Yelk and Zac Derr are the other place kickers on the roster. Marler made 20 of 33 field goals for Jacksonville in 2003 but did not play the past two years after being sidetracked by injuries. Even so, he was the only player on the roster who had kicked in an NFL game. Punter/kickoff specialist Michael Koenen can kick field goals and was used last season when a long-range attempts were necessary, but the coaching staff would prefer he not have to handle all kicking duties. President and general manager Rich McKay said the team plans to groom a field-goal kicker with a range of up to 45 yards, however, it could sign a veteran free agent near training camp if need be. Last season's place kicker Todd Peterson is a free agent, but the Falcons have shown no indication to re-sign him.

linkWashington news

When the Redskins signed Aussie rookie punter David Lonie on May 3, the team also acquired a former decathlete and pole vaulter who competed in the Pan Pacific Games in 1996 in Perth, Australia. Lonie is expected to compete for the Redskins' punting job with third-year veteran Derrick Frost, who was the team's punter most of last season. Both Frost and Lonie have experience kicking off as well. Whoever wins the punting job could play a key special teams role next season--should coaches decide to limit kicker John Hall to field goals, that is.

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[Mike Herman]

Green Bay news

While the rest of the Green Bay Packers were practicing inside the Don Hutson Center after an out-of-nowhere thunderstorm moved in Saturday afternoon, kickers Billy Cundiff and Dave Rayner, long-snappers Rob Davis and Thomas Gafford and holder B.J. Sander were out on Clarke Hinkle Field once the rain stopped. The Packers will wrap up their second offseason minicamp with a practice this morning, and they've yet to have a period of live, from-scrimmage place-kicking. As a result, the club's much talked about kicking derby to replace all-time franchise scoring leader Ryan Longwell won't truly begin until the team starts its organized team activity (OTA) practices at the end of the month.

So far, coach Mike McCarthy said, the group has been conducting individual practices two to three times per week for the last six to eight weeks. McCarthy has seen only two of those workouts, with special teams coordinator Mike Stock supervising them instead. Asked if he has a timetable for choosing his kicker, McCarthy replied, "We're going to take as long as it needs to sort it out. There's no timetable on jobs. (The Sept. 10 season opener against) Chicago is our goal."

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[Bri]

Any Todd France sightings?

 

[DonnyT33]

Granted this is often an overlooked position, but it does still matter.

Which teams are unsettled on a K this year?

Off the cuff I hear rumblings in:

1. New England (Vinatieri left) - Brought in Martin Gramatica, drafted Stephen Gostowski

2. Atlanta (Peterson has not signed) - Brought in Ryan Rossner, Zac Derr, Tony Yelk

3. Miami (Mare contract issue) - No updates as of yet

Also are these teams happy with their kickers?

1. Chicago (Robbie Gould) - Josh Huston (Ohio State) planning to sign as FA

2. San Francisco (Joe Nedney) - Seems "happy"

3. Washington (John Hall) - Tyler Jones (NFLE) on roster

4. Green Bay (Billy Cundiff) - Dave Rayner claimed off waivers from Indy, Rhys Lloyd (FA) signed

5. New Orleans (John Carney) - Signed UFA Conner Hughes (undrafted rookie)

6. San Diego (Nate Kaeding) - Drafted Kurt Smith, but likely as a kickoff specialist.

1. The rookie 4th round Gostowski is 95% sure of winning that job and is impressing in camp so far. I doubt entirely that Gramatica who has not played in a few years can win this job. The Pats are looking for a PK that can drill 50 yard kicks at a high rate and get the ball in or near the end zone kicking off both things the Rookie does very well.

 

[Bri]

1. The rookie 4th round Gostowski is 95% sure of winning that job and is impressing in camp so far. I doubt entirely that Gramatica who has not played in a few years can win this job. The Pats are looking for a PK that can drill 50 yard kicks at a high rate and get the ball in or near the end zone kicking off both things the Rookie does very well.

what team isn't looking for a K that can drill 50 yard kicks at a high rate? Otherwise I agree with your post but as a patsfan I worry about each's confidence in the postseason

 

[DonnyT33]

It probably won't get as much publicity as the Gramatica vs. Gostkowski battle in New England, but looks like it will be Gould vs. Huston (vs. Fordyce?) in Chicago:

Ohio State kicker Josh Huston plans to sign a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bears, and then take part in their mini camp later this week, Huston's father, Denny, said late last night. The Findlay High grad had offers from Kansas City, St. Louis and Dallas, but opted to accept a contract proposal from the Bears. The Chicago mini camp runs Thursday through Sunday. "He talked to a few different teams, and the situation in Chicago, it just seemed to be the best opportunity," Huston's father said. "They started calling right after the draft ended, and it all came together pretty quickly."

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their wont be much of any battle in NE either. They did not spend a forth round pick on this kid if thye didnt want him..and I doubt he will miss every kick in camp and that about what it wold take to let him go..HOUSTON IS ANOTHET GOIOD ONE AND SHOULD FIND A HOME IN cHI OR ELSEWHERE...f the caps my bad

 

[DonnyT33]

1. The rookie 4th round Gostowski is 95% sure of winning that job and is impressing in camp so far. I doubt entirely that Gramatica who has not played in a few years can win this job. The Pats are looking for a PK that can drill 50 yard kicks at a high rate and get the ball in or near the end zone kicking off both things the Rookie does very well.

what team isn't looking for a K that can drill 50 yard kicks at a high rate? Otherwise I agree with your post but as a patsfan I worry about each's confidence in the postseason

Vinateri did not have a strong leg and often did not attempt 49-52 yards kicks or if he did he missed them. The rookie has shown that he can make for that distance and is another think that caught the Pats eye. Then want to be able to take a few chances on longer FG's and have some made. Yes the biggest concern for the next PK here is the extra pressure of replacing an icon around here and quite likely the first HOF kicker..but form everything I read and hear the kid Gowtowski has lots of the same things that AV did and is responding well so far..we shall see when it matters as fir sure we are spoiled around here anytime a big kick is needed.

 

[Mike Herman]

Any Todd France sightings?

He's playing for the Philadelphia Soul in the AFL. They won their wildcard game and will be playing again Sunday May 28th at Orlando Predators, 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC) in a divisional playoff game.

France was fourth in the league in scoring in the regular season with 137 points

FGs 14 of 33 (42.2%), long 51

XKs 95 of 103

 

[Spartans Rule]

Is Cundiff really going to be an easy winner with Rayner there also. I almost like Rayner to win that job in the end. Indy let him go because of the Vineteri signing only. They spent a draft pick on him last year.

I also could see Rayner winning this. I also wouldn't be surprised if neither comes thru, and the Packers end up with someone elses late August castoff.

Rayner's a pretty cool story. Was a soccer player first and foremost in high school. Kicked for the football team, but they rarely used him. Totally under the radar, he went to a kicking camp and just blew the thing away, to the point that Michigan State offered him a scholarship on the spot.Not the most consistent kicker, but he's got a hell of a leg.

 

[Mike Herman]

Washington news

For the first three weeks of his stint in NFL Europe, Washington Redskins place kicker Tyler Jones had to operate without uprights at the Hamburg Sea Devils' practice facility. The field conditions were usually spotty, and rain was a nemesis, but when Jones returns to Redskins Park Monday with his season abroad complete, he hopes to emerge as a better kicker. On Tuesday he expects to join the Redskins for their offseason workout and, although the odds of making the team appear slim, Jones is eager for a chance to push John Hall for the starting job. Coach Joe Gibbs has expressed his devotion to the oft-injured Hall, and Jones has only been with the Redskins since January.

"I had a pretty good season and I was able to get a lot of good work in and good experience under my belt," Jones said from Amsterdam yesterday. Jones, 26, was a standout at Boise State and spent last season with Cleveland and Chicago before being released from the Bears' practice squad in October. Jones has connected on 9 of 12 field goals in NFL Europe -- he is perfect on extra points -- and has excelled on kickoffs, helping Hamburg to have the second-best kickoff coverage in the league. Kickoffs are of particular importance to the Redskins; Gibbs has said it is unlikely Hall will handle those duties this season, although punter Derrick Frost can. Jones realizes he will have to make an immediate impression on Redskins coaches.

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[Mike Herman]

Very quietly, the Falcons released Ryan Rossner earlier this week. Zac Derr now sits atop the depth chart.

No team's kicking situation is any shakier than Atlanta's. Right now, the only two kickers on Atlanta's roster are two undrafted free agents: Zac Derr from Akron and Tony Yelk from Iowa State. But Atlanta does have a different kind of veteran kicker -- he just happens to be their kicking coach, Steve Hoffman. And it is Hoffman whom the Falcons are most relying on. When Hoffman coached in Dallas, he developed Lin Elliot, Chris Boniol, Richie Cunningham, Tim Seder and Billy Cundiff -- each of whom led the Cowboys in field goals at least once in their careers despite playing for the minimum salary. Atlanta believes Hoffman will work his magic again.

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[Mike Herman]

Green Bay news

Thoughts of kicking anvils through sleet in December are far, far away. White field paint so wet and slick it gets on the ball and botches a hold, and thus a field goal, seems unfathomable now. It's almost summertime in Wisconsin, and though Green Bay has lost 10-year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell, the all-time leading scorer in Packers history, they aren't sweating over it right now. First, they think they saw enough from the first post-draft minicamp from their kickers, which was all indoors. Second, they have the next minicamp, which starts today. The OTAs, or organized team activities, as the Packers call them, stretch out for four weeks.

At kicker, fifth-year veteran Billy Cundiff, who spent the last four seasons kicking in Texas Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys, is dueling with Dave Rayner, the kickoff specialist for the Indianapolis Colts last season as a rookie. Both have been in Green Bay for most of the spring working with special teams coordinator Mike Stock and Shawn Slocum, the special teams assistant. "There's been no impressions made," Stock said at the last camp. "It's going to be a long, ongoing process. This is not going to be tomorrow or the day after; we're going to go through this thing throughout the OTAs, and when we come back for camp as well, so it's an ongoing competition. There's nobody in front, nobody behind. They're competing pretty well, pretty equal right now. These guys are going to tell us who is going to be the guy. Somebody will emerge, and if takes through the pre-season of all the games we're going to be involved with, then so be it. If one of these two guys is not the guy, we'll find somebody else. We'll have a guy."

"Obviously I haven't played in Green Bay cold games," said Cundiff, who played in college at Drake in Iowa. "Obviously, you have to respect it, but you can't blow it up into something it's not, where you can't deal with it." At Texas Stadium, the roof is open but the fans are sheltered, so the elements are minimized, what elements they have in the South, anyway. "I know in Dallas, there was always that asterisk Bill Parcels would put on guys: 'Well, he can't kick in the cold because he kicks here. He kicks in Texas Stadium,' " Cundiff said. "Well here (in Green Bay), there's no more of that.

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[Bri]

Very quietly, the Falcons released Ryan Rossner earlier this week. Zac Derr now sits atop the depth chart.

No team's kicking situation is any shakier than Atlanta's. Right now, the only two kickers on Atlanta's roster are two undrafted free agents: Zac Derr from Akron and Tony Yelk from Iowa State. But Atlanta does have a different kind of veteran kicker -- he just happens to be their kicking coach, Steve Hoffman. And it is Hoffman whom the Falcons are most relying on. When Hoffman coached in Dallas, he developed Lin Elliot, Chris Boniol, Richie Cunningham, Tim Seder and Billy Cundiff -- each of whom led the Cowboys in field goals at least once in their careers despite playing for the minimum salary. Atlanta believes Hoffman will work his magic again.

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Mike what do you think of those Ks in Dallas though? IIRC Cunningham was very good and had his moments in Dallas. I guess Cundiff was OK but otherwise I'm not seeing this as a great track record. what do you think?It's impressive he can coach 5 Ks to kick in the NFL I just mean they weren't top "win us this game" type Ks. Maybe I'm not rememberring too well, Ks are low on the list for me

 

[Mike Herman]

Very quietly, the Falcons released Ryan Rossner earlier this week. Zac Derr now sits atop the depth chart.

No team's kicking situation is any shakier than Atlanta's. Right now, the only two kickers on Atlanta's roster are two undrafted free agents: Zac Derr from Akron and Tony Yelk from Iowa State. But Atlanta does have a different kind of veteran kicker -- he just happens to be their kicking coach, Steve Hoffman. And it is Hoffman whom the Falcons are most relying on. When Hoffman coached in Dallas, he developed Lin Elliot, Chris Boniol, Richie Cunningham, Tim Seder and Billy Cundiff -- each of whom led the Cowboys in field goals at least once in their careers despite playing for the minimum salary. Atlanta believes Hoffman will work his magic again.

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Mike what do you think of those Ks in Dallas though? IIRC Cunningham was very good and had his moments in Dallas. I guess Cundiff was OK but otherwise I'm not seeing this as a great track record. what do you think?It's impressive he can coach 5 Ks to kick in the NFL I just mean they weren't top "win us this game" type Ks. Maybe I'm not rememberring too well, Ks are low on the list for me

They ranged from mediocre to pretty good, but were all dirt cheap. From a production standpoint, the earlier ones had the advantage of kicking for the high scoring Cowboy's dynasty of the early 90's.YEAR. FG%, PTS. RANK, KICKER

1990 72.0% 26 Willis

1991 69.2% 4 Willis

1992 68.6% 4 Elliott

1993 81.1% 2 Murray/Elliott

1994 75.9% 6 Boniol

1995 96.4% 5 Boniol

1996 88.9% 5 Boniol

1997 91.9% 3 Cunningham

1998 82.9% 5 Cunningham

1999 61.3% 23 Cunningham/Murray

2000 75.8% 18 Seder

2001 66.7% 26 Hilbert/Seder

2002 63.2% 32 Cundiff

2003 79.3% 20 Cundiff

2004 76.9% 25 Cundiff

The Falcons defense has been retooled. The offense has added highly respected quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave. In the flurry of offseason moves, little attention has been paid to one of the most important positions - place-kicker. "When you have as much money committed as we have offensively and defensively you're not going to be able to sign everybody that you want," Falcons special teams coach Joe DeCamillis said. "Adam Vinatieri got a $2 million signing bonus. I think (Mike) Vanderjagt got $1.8 or something like that. Yeah, you feel comfortable with those guys, but as I remember Vanderjagt's last kick, he missed."

The master plan

In games decided by three points or less, the Falcons were 1-3 on their way to an 8-8 mark last season. During their march to the NFC championship game in 2004 and a 12-6 record, they were 5-1 in those games. After deciding not to re-sign Todd Peterson, the Falcons are planning to enter the season with an untested kicker. They released kickers Seth Marler and Ryan Rossner on May 19th setting up a training camp battle between Zac Derr and Tony Yelk. "We'll let those two compete, fight it out and if we feel like we need to sign a veteran going into training camp or after training camp we will," DeCamillis said. "But we want a young kicker to be able to make it just like we had with (punter) Michael Koenen last year." Peterson's averaged made field goal last season was 31.6 yards. Also, the Falcons used Koenen on some longer field goal attempts. The hope is that either Derr or Yelk can handle all of the field goal chores with Koenen doing the punting and kickoffs.

The guru

One Falcon move that went nearly unnoticed was the addition of assistant special teams coach Steve Hoffman, a noted punter/kicking guru. After going to Dallas with Jimmy Johnson from the University of Miami, Hoffman developed kickers from 1989 to 2004. He's likely one the reasons the Falcons are comfortable with trying to go with an untested kicker. At Dallas, Hoffman had seven rookie or first-year free-agent kickers, five of which kicked 18 field goals in their first season. "He's a guy that I followed," DeCamillis said. "When I first came in the league I was with the Giants and Coach Hoffman was there with Dallas. Every couple of years they kept bringing in young guys and they always got the same kind of production." Hoffman spent last season working as a consultant. He tutored Koenen and Green Bay punter B.J. Sanders. He punted in the USFL for the Washington Federals and he failed to catch on in the NFL with Washington, Seattle and New Orleans. "It just kind of evolved just from being around it as a punter myself, just from instructing at youth camps and seeing all of the things that the good ones do and all of the things the bad ones do," Hoffman said.

Veteran corner

If Derr or Yelk falter, there are a few veterans - including Peterson - ready to come to the rescue. "If you just bail out, it would be easy to say 'Aw let's go get a guy who's done it a while,' " Hoffman said. "Some of the guys that have done it for a little while, haven't done it really great." Paul Edinger, who's played six seasons with the Chicago and Minnesota, is the top unsigned veteran kicker. "We're getting calls from other guys, too," Hoffman said. "Heck, Morten Andersen still wants a shot." Andersen, the former Falcon kicker, turns 46 in August and last kicked in 2004 for Minnesota. In addition to the veterans, the Falcons will keep an eye on the waiver wires for possible kickers. Dallas figures to cut Shaun Suisham after signing Vanderjagt as a free agent. "By the end of August there is going to be somebody out there that's kicking pretty good," Hoffman said. "Hopefully, it's one of these two kickers for us."

THE CANDIDATES

Patience will be key for the Falcons in selecting a new kicker. "The thing is, if you want a young kicker you have to see it through to the end," Hoffman said. With no rush, both kickers appear to have lively legs. Both were stroking 50-yarders with ease last Tuesday and Wednesday at the team's organized training activities. "Right now these two look like they have very similar range to what Michael had last year," DeCamillis said.

ZAC DERR

• College: Akron

• Height, Weight: 5-7, 155

• Age: 27

• Pro experience: None. Signed by Falcons on April 10. Spent some time in camp with the Dallas Cowboys.

• The skinny: "Zac Derr has some tremendous potential in the way he hits the ball," Hoffman said. "He gets the ball up better than anybody that I've ever had as far as height and trajectory. He gets the ball up quick. He has more power than you would ever expect out of a guy his size. Now he just has to get more consistent."

TONY YELK

• College: Iowa State

• Height, Weight: 6-1, 205

• Age: 24

• Pro experience: None. Signed as rookie free agent on May 1.

• The skinny: Booted a 51-yarder last season for the Cyclones. "Tony has impressed us with just the way that he handles it all," Hoffman said. "He's got that innate calmness. He just hits the ball straight. He doesn't worry about how far it goes. He doesn't worry about how far Zac's ball goes on the kick before him. For his age, he's way ahead of guys that I've ever had."

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[Mike Herman]

Hoffmanmania is spreading in the media. Following are some excerpts from an AP story.

Steve Hoffman strolls off the practice field, a video camera in one hand and a young kicker hanging on his every word. They're chatting about the subtlest of techniques. They're discussing the mental challenges of handling a solitary job in a team sport. They're talking about what it's going to take to be Hoffman's next star pupil. You see, if you're a no-name kicker trying to make it in the NFL, Hoffman is the guru. "Teams don't want to spend a lot of money on kickers," said Hoffman, the Falcons' new assistant special teams coach. "But they want a good guy at that position."

Hoffman's background is as varied as the kickers he brings in. He has a bachelor's degree in economics and a masters in sports administration. He punted for the long-forgotten Washington Generals in the USFL. He spent one season as a high school coach. He even went to Italy for a couple of years to work with fledgling teams. Over the past year, Hoffman worked as a consultant for NFL teams and gave private lessons to college kids and high school wannabes. But he wanted to get back in the game. He jumped at the chance to work with Falcons special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, a friend since the 1990s when both coached in the NFC East. "Steve doesn't want to just be a kicking coach," Mora said. "He wants to be a special teams coordinator someday."

During practice, Hoffman hovers around the kickers with his own video camera. He makes his own tapes so can analyze the smallest details without burdening the team's regular film crew. "I've got stop and go. I've got split screen. I can superimpose one kick on top of another kick," Hoffman said. "I burn the tapes onto DVDs and take them home with me."

Hoffman's solitary style is passed on to his kickers, who must learn to cope with the fact that they're not like everyone else on the team. "Kickers are good athletes in their own way, but they're nothing like these other guys," Hoffman said. "I always tell them, 'You're lucky that when they made the rules for this game, they put in a kicker. Keep your mouth shut. You're only as good as your next kick.'"

Hoffman starts out slowly with his kickers, feeling that too many teams make the mistake of throwing a youngster into tough situations right away. Hey kid, can you make this 47-yarder into the wind? If not, you're outta here. "I just want them to get their foot on the ball," Hoffman said. "Then, once they're feeling comfortable and confident, I want to put them under a little duress. You've got to develop a kicker like you do any other position." As time goes along, he baits them, he challenges them, he puts them in tougher and tougher scenarios. "It's not just the kicks," Hoffman said. "It's the way they carry themselves. A lot of times, they don't even know I'm looking at them." And what is he looking for? "I want to see the look in their eyes during pressure situations," Hoffman said. "That is the telltale sign of how they will hold up."

There's more to kicking than the kicker. Hoffman also spends a lot of time working with the snapper and holder, knowing the chance of success increases when those two jobs are handled flawlessly. "If you really look at field goal kickers, the difference between the good ones and the bad ones is usually only three or four kicks a year," Hoffman said. "I try to find a way to make sure they don't miss those three or four kicks."

The Falcons already have punter Michael Koenen to handle the kickoffs, so all they're looking for is someone to make field goals and extra points. And, if neither Derr nor Yelk works out, they can always sign one of those veterans who surely will be available in the waning days of the preseason. "I was kicking with Eddie Murray not long ago. He's 48 years old, and he made 36 of 38 all the way out to 53 yards," Hoffman said. "There's always a guy out there."

 

[Mike Herman]

Green Bay news

The kickers practiced with the full squad for the first time this year during a special teams session Monday and Billy Cundiff showed more leg strength than Dave Rayner on kickoffs. Cundiff and Rayner each kicked off six times from the 20-yard line. Cundiff averaged just over 75 yards a kickoff. Rayner averaged just under 70 yards. Had they been kicking from the 30-yard line, all six of Cundiff's kickoffs would have traveled into the end zone. Two of Rayner's kickoffs would have reached the end zone; two others would have reached the goal line; and two would have landed between the 5-yard line and the goal line. Cundiff, in fact, kicked one into the end zone from the 20. The kickers had a breeze to their back.

link

 

[Rovers]

Cundiff has a bad rep that really isn't deserved. Parcells has a short fuse with PK's, and he should have kept Cundiff. No, I'm not going to go find the stats analysis I did on Cundiff some months ago, but he will turn out to be an upgrade over Longwell. This kid can kick, and be reliable when healthy.

 

[Mike Herman]

Green Bay news

For the first time this offseason, coach Mike McCarthy put his kickers through the wringer, and veteran Billy Cundiff came away with a slight edge over Dave Rayner. Using four holders and two long snappers, the two kickers started with an extra point and then attempted field goals of 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 52 and 43 yards during a team portion of Tuesday’s practice. Cundiff, the former Dallas Cowboys kicker, made 7-of-8, missing wide left from 52 yards. Rayner, who spent 14 games last season as the Indianapolis Colts kickoff specialist, made 6-of-8, missing his final two kicks from 52 and 43 yards, both wide left. Rayner said he rushed the two kicks that he missed. He barely made a 44-yarder that snuck just inside the right upright. Both kickers also made all four extra points during another special teams period early in Tuesday’s practice held in the climate-controlled Don Hutson Center. This was the first time the kickers took part in a team portion of practice. All offseason, they had been kicking off to the side on a separate practice field.

The Packers are seeking a replacement for Ryan Longwell, who signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings. At issue last season was Longwell’s holder. He and punter B.J. Sander never quite gelled, but it appears both Cundiff and Rayner have lower expectations of their holder than Longwell did. Longwell was particular about the way the ball was placed. Rayner said he simply likes the ball held straight, while Cundiff would like the ball at a slight angle but knows that can’t always happen. “I’d like to be particular given the chance, but during my time in Dallas the holders really weren’t maybe as skilled as they should have been,” Cundiff said. “So a lot of time it was just deal with what you’ve got and put it through. I’ve always taken it upon myself that it’s my responsibility to put the ball through the uprights. As long as the holder doesn’t really screw it up, as long as the snapper doesn’t miss it, it should be my responsibility.” Both Sander and his competition for the punting job, Jon Ryan, held on Tuesday. So did backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Ruvell Martin. “Jon and B.J. have been holding for us throughout (the offseason), and Ruvell and Aaron, this is the first time we’ve had them hold for us,” Rayner said. “They did well. “Our timing and everything is not perfect yet, but they’ve both got great hands. I don’t know what coach is leaning toward, but I think for the circumstances we both kicked decent having four different holders (and) two different snappers.”

link

 

[Mike Herman]

Cleveland: Phil Dawson vs. Hernia

Last season, Browns kicker Phil Dawson managed to convert 27 of his 29 field goal attempts and 19-of-21 extra points for a team-high 100 points, which also tied a career-high for the seven-year veteran. Quietly, though, Dawson was dealing with a painful injury. Dawson had a sports hernia - not an easy injury for a kicker to play through. "It popped up last training camp," he said. "I actually played the whole season with it. At my position, you need to be flexible and strong in your groin and lower abdominal region."

When the season ended, Dawson and team trainers decided surgery was the best plan. Dawson has spent the past several months rehabbing from the procedure. Now, he's close to 100 percent and back on the field kicking. "It's really starting to feel well," he said. "In terms of the mental standpoint, I feel a lot more confident now than I did every week last season. I knew I had a problem last season and, when you're swinging your leg up to your head, who knows what's going to happen."

It's a good time for Dawson to be healthy. In addition to rehabbing his injury, Dawson also has spent time this offseason getting used to his fourth holder in four years, punter Dave Zastudil. Punter Chris Gardocki, a close friend of Dawson's was the club's holder from 1999-03. Derrick Frost replaced him in '04, followed by Kyle Richardson last season. This March, the Browns signed free agent punter Dave Zastudil from Baltimore, and Zastudil has assumed the team's holding duties. "Dave is a really good holder," Dawson said in an early review. "He's very quick with his hands." Dawson said it has been easy to see Zastudil, a Bay Village, Ohio native, is excited to wear the Orange and Brown. "He's working really hard," he said. "I'm sure he hasn't said this but there's a lot of pressure on him. I felt a lot of pressure last season after signing a new deal. You want to live up to your contract. And obviously coming home (is a lot of pressure). He's excited to be here."

Another change for Dawson has been the return of long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, who missed the final five games of the '05 season with a back injury. Pontbriand is back to snapping, giving the trio the ability to practice as a unit and develop timing. Now, with youth and promise at the long snapper position and established veterans holding down the kicking and punting jobs, Dawson is looking to embrace some consistency. He hasn't had the same long snapper and holder during consecutive seasons since Ryan Kuehl snapped and Gardocki held from '99-'02. "It's hard when it continues to change because we do spend a lot of time as a group," he said. "When you have some stability there it really helps. I'm excited about this group. We have a lot of work to do. We're fine now, but we have to get tested and do it under live pressure. I struggled a lot last preseason and everyone was freaking out, but that's all part of developing that rhythm and timing. I'm not saying that's going to happen again, but I may miss a few early trying to work out a few issues. But I anticipate we'll be rolling come the regular season."

link

 

[Warpig]

Cleveland: Phil Dawson vs. Hernia

Last season, Browns kicker Phil Dawson managed to convert 27 of his 29 field goal attempts and 19-of-21 extra points for a team-high 100 points, which also tied a career-high for the seven-year veteran. Quietly, though, Dawson was dealing with a painful injury. Dawson had a sports hernia - not an easy injury for a kicker to play through. "It popped up last training camp," he said. "I actually played the whole season with it. At my position, you need to be flexible and strong in your groin and lower abdominal region."

When the season ended, Dawson and team trainers decided surgery was the best plan. Dawson has spent the past several months rehabbing from the procedure. Now, he's close to 100 percent and back on the field kicking. "It's really starting to feel well," he said. "In terms of the mental standpoint, I feel a lot more confident now than I did every week last season. I knew I had a problem last season and, when you're swinging your leg up to your head, who knows what's going to happen."

It's a good time for Dawson to be healthy. In addition to rehabbing his injury, Dawson also has spent time this offseason getting used to his fourth holder in four years, punter Dave Zastudil. Punter Chris Gardocki, a close friend of Dawson's was the club's holder from 1999-03. Derrick Frost replaced him in '04, followed by Kyle Richardson last season. This March, the Browns signed free agent punter Dave Zastudil from Baltimore, and Zastudil has assumed the team's holding duties. "Dave is a really good holder," Dawson said in an early review. "He's very quick with his hands." Dawson said it has been easy to see Zastudil, a Bay Village, Ohio native, is excited to wear the Orange and Brown. "He's working really hard," he said. "I'm sure he hasn't said this but there's a lot of pressure on him. I felt a lot of pressure last season after signing a new deal. You want to live up to your contract. And obviously coming home (is a lot of pressure). He's excited to be here."

Another change for Dawson has been the return of long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, who missed the final five games of the '05 season with a back injury. Pontbriand is back to snapping, giving the trio the ability to practice as a unit and develop timing. Now, with youth and promise at the long snapper position and established veterans holding down the kicking and punting jobs, Dawson is looking to embrace some consistency. He hasn't had the same long snapper and holder during consecutive seasons since Ryan Kuehl snapped and Gardocki held from '99-'02. "It's hard when it continues to change because we do spend a lot of time as a group," he said. "When you have some stability there it really helps. I'm excited about this group. We have a lot of work to do. We're fine now, but we have to get tested and do it under live pressure. I struggled a lot last preseason and everyone was freaking out, but that's all part of developing that rhythm and timing. I'm not saying that's going to happen again, but I may miss a few early trying to work out a few issues. But I anticipate we'll be rolling come the regular season."

link

Who's Dawson's backup? I'm stuck with Gould and Zac Derr.

 

[Mike Herman]

Cleveland: Phil Dawson vs. Hernia

Last season, Browns kicker Phil Dawson managed to convert 27 of his 29 field goal attempts and 19-of-21 extra points for a team-high 100 points, which also tied a career-high for the seven-year veteran. Quietly, though, Dawson was dealing with a painful injury. Dawson had a sports hernia - not an easy injury for a kicker to play through. "It popped up last training camp," he said. "I actually played the whole season with it. At my position, you need to be flexible and strong in your groin and lower abdominal region."

When the season ended, Dawson and team trainers decided surgery was the best plan. Dawson has spent the past several months rehabbing from the procedure. Now, he's close to 100 percent and back on the field kicking. "It's really starting to feel well," he said. "In terms of the mental standpoint, I feel a lot more confident now than I did every week last season. I knew I had a problem last season and, when you're swinging your leg up to your head, who knows what's going to happen."

It's a good time for Dawson to be healthy. In addition to rehabbing his injury, Dawson also has spent time this offseason getting used to his fourth holder in four years, punter Dave Zastudil. Punter Chris Gardocki, a close friend of Dawson's was the club's holder from 1999-03. Derrick Frost replaced him in '04, followed by Kyle Richardson last season. This March, the Browns signed free agent punter Dave Zastudil from Baltimore, and Zastudil has assumed the team's holding duties. "Dave is a really good holder," Dawson said in an early review. "He's very quick with his hands." Dawson said it has been easy to see Zastudil, a Bay Village, Ohio native, is excited to wear the Orange and Brown. "He's working really hard," he said. "I'm sure he hasn't said this but there's a lot of pressure on him. I felt a lot of pressure last season after signing a new deal. You want to live up to your contract. And obviously coming home (is a lot of pressure). He's excited to be here."

Another change for Dawson has been the return of long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, who missed the final five games of the '05 season with a back injury. Pontbriand is back to snapping, giving the trio the ability to practice as a unit and develop timing. Now, with youth and promise at the long snapper position and established veterans holding down the kicking and punting jobs, Dawson is looking to embrace some consistency. He hasn't had the same long snapper and holder during consecutive seasons since Ryan Kuehl snapped and Gardocki held from '99-'02. "It's hard when it continues to change because we do spend a lot of time as a group," he said. "When you have some stability there it really helps. I'm excited about this group. We have a lot of work to do. We're fine now, but we have to get tested and do it under live pressure. I struggled a lot last preseason and everyone was freaking out, but that's all part of developing that rhythm and timing. I'm not saying that's going to happen again, but I may miss a few early trying to work out a few issues. But I anticipate we'll be rolling come the regular season."

link

Who's Dawson's backup? I'm stuck with Gould and Zac Derr.

Jeff Chandler

 

[Warpig]

Jeff Chandler

Thanks!

 

[Mike Herman]

AFL news

The Philadelphia Soul have re-signed WR/DB Mike Brown, K Todd France, OL/DL Mike Mabry, WR/LB J.J. McKelvey and FB/LB Raheem Orr. As per club policy, terms of their deals were not disclosed.

France (6'3", 210, Toledo) joined the Soul for the 2006 season after stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was named to the All-Rookie team after finished the season ranked fourth in the League in points scored among kickers (137) and was sixth in touchbacks (31). He was also first among rookie kickers in both categories. He connected on 95-of-103 extra points and was 14-of-33 on field goals. His longest field goal was from 53 yards out during the postseason against the Orlando Predators in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

link

 

[Mike Herman]

San Diego minicamp news

Nate Kaeding: For a guy who has made 84 percent of his field goals in two seasons he sure is under scrutiny. Well, the kid [Kurt Smith] the Chargers drafted to push him on kickoffs didn't exactly kick to the moon in minicamp, while Kaeding did show height and distance on his kickoffs.

link

 

[Mike Herman]

New England minicamp news

With the entire team watching to add a spice of pressure, rookie kicker Steve Gostkowski just snuck a 44-yard field goal attempt over the bar. Martin Gramatica had one blocked by Richard Seymour, who didn't leave his feet.

linkA blocked kick in minicamp may not sound like a big deal, but given Gramatica's history, it could be huge:

For the first four years of his career, Martin Gramatica was one of the better kickers in the NFL. His field goal average was over 80% in three of those years, and he didn’t miss any extra points. He was a very impressive from long range, going 13 of 20 on field goals 50 yards and beyond. He consistently got distance and touchbacks on kickoffs. Then on that fateful day of September 14, 2003 everything changed. The Carolina Panthers blocked two field goals and one extra point attempt by Gramatica. It may not have been his fault, but he never recovered. For the next year and a half he looked good in practice in both regular and pre-season, but continued to miss kicks in games. He tried everything. He studied game films, he improved his conditioning workouts, and he even switched his jersey to his old lucky college number. Nothing worked. Tampa Bay finally gave up after 11 games into the 2004 season, when he missed all three field goal attempts in a game (against Carolina ironically). He was released several days later. Last year he was out of football and had surgery for torn muscles in his lower abdomen.

link

 

[Mike Herman]

New England minicamp wrap-up

Stephen Gostkowski became the most popular player in New England with one swift kick through the uprights. The rookie kicker closed Thursday’s practice with a 45-yard field goal, giving the entire team a break from running laps and ending the Patriots’ three-day minicamp on a lighthearted note. His teammates tried to freeze him by calling a timeout, but Gostkowski calmly nailed the kick, sparking a jubilant celebration. Last year, the players got out of a late-afternoon film session in training camp when offensive lineman Matt Light caught a punt from Josh Miller. "They get a little bone -- a little dog biscuit," head coach Bill Belichick said. "It’s kind of like Light catching a punt, you know?"

Belichick didn’t spend much time watching his new kickers, but he got a brief look at Gostkowski and Martin Gramatica this week during goal-line and two-minute drills. Gramatica displayed the accuracy that made him a Pro Bowler with Tampa Bay in 2001 while Gostkowski -- the NCAAs active leader in field goals at the time of his graduation -- showed off his leg strength. The two are competing to replace Adam Vinatieri. "I think it’s an opportunity for them to kick behind a full team, as opposed to just kicking with a snapper and a holder, and get an idea of the operation and how we do it in practice and the process," Belichick said. "Mentally, it helps them prepare for training camp. That’s when the real evaluation is going to come -- in the training camp and preseason games."

link

The battle between Stephen Gostkowski and Martin Gramatica seems fairly even, as both made a high percentage of their kicks, both in team drills and kickers-only workouts. Gostkowski has a strong leg and his field goals tend to be booming kicks compared with Gramatica's, but there is not noticeable difference in accuracy or length. Gramatica appeared to have a slight edge yesterday in kickoffs.

link

Martin Gramatica kicks the ball extremely low. He had a similar problem toward the end of his career in Tampa Bay that led to some of his kicks getting blocked. Both Gramatica and rookie Stephen Gostkowski hit a majority of their field goal attempts but Gostkowski clearly has the stronger leg of the two kickers.

link

 

[Mike Herman]

Washington update

When he had trouble doing simple tasks such as getting out of his car and picking up his son, kicker John Hall felt his problem was more complex than a quadriceps or groin injury. An evaluation late last season confirmed Hall's suspicions, and he hopes surgery in January has ended his injury luck. He has missed 14 games in the last two seasons, but he missed only one during his first seven years in the NFL. "It was a real relief because I've gotten better as a place kicker and feel more confident the older I get, so it was a downer to be making steps forward mentally and then to take steps backward physically," Hall said yesterday after the Redskins completed their weekend minicamp. "Hopefully, I won't have to deal with that again." Hall did little kicking during the minicamp -- which was by design. "I've been kicking enough to know where I'm at," he said. "I'm still treating it like rehab and I'm not at full strength. But I'm headed in the right direction."

Hall's surgery repaired muscles that were detached from his pelvis and another muscle he said was "frayed like a rope." Because of those injuries, Hall was overcompensating on his right side, which was a likely source of his hamstring (2004) and quadriceps (2005) ailments. Hall kicked in pain last season, especially in the final four weeks. "It was mainly the quad and then it started going to my groin," he said. "The last four weeks were a grind -- I never want that to happen again but we were on such a great run, I beared down and did what I could."

"He's a top-notch kicker in this league but to maintain that caliber of play, you have to be healthy so that's our whole objective with John," special teams coach Danny Smith said. Tyler Jones, who made 11 of 14 field goals for Hamburg of NFL Europe this spring, will compete with Hall. Asked if Hall would have to be markedly outperformed because he's the incumbent, Smith said: "Once they're on the field, it's competition and it doesn't really matter where they've come from, who they are or what their credentials are. We'll keep the best guy, period."

link

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

From the FBG News Blogger:

June 23, 2006, 17:59Falcons :: KKicker Crisis In Atlanta?George Henry, free-lance writer via The Sporting News - [Full Article]The Falcons made a poor decision when they didn't re-sign PK Todd Peterson. Former Jacksonville PK Seth Marler was with the team only 17 days after a poor showing in minicamp. The remaining candidates, PKs Zac Derr and Tony Yelk, are as inaccurate as Marler. With the start of camp approaching quickly and many in Atlanta's front office expressing major concern, look for Rich McKay, president and general manager, to act soon.

 

[Lauryn]

Patriots minicamp news

Not many kickers create much of a buzz at such a camp, but Stephen Gostkowski isn’t the average kicker. Gostkowski was selected in the fourth round as a potential replacement for Adam Vinatieri, so the media throng around him was substantial for virtually the entire 45-minute open locker room period. “I’m not used to seeing this many cameras at Memphis,” he joked in reference to his college career. When asked what the Patriots expected of him, Gostkowski had a straightforward response. “Make all your kicks from 40 and in, make all your extra points and make the ones that count.” Sounds like a resume for the guy he is trying to replace. For what it’s worth, Gostkowski wasn’t given the option of wearing Vinatieri’s old No. 4. He was asked to choose between 3 and 5 and went with the former.

link

The biggest media hit of minicamp was probably rookie Stephen Gostkowski. Traditionally, kickers aren't much of a drawing card, but the departed Adam Vinatieri was a bonafide icon in New England. Gostkowski, who will wear No. 3, is good-looking, well-spoken and quick-witted (Papa Ginos ads?), and seems to have the same patience with the media as Vinatieri had. He's even a Red Sox fan.

"I was excited when I got the call this is the type of team I wanted to come to," the fourth-round pick out of Memphis said. "Knowing there was a vacant spot, that the guy who kicked last year was gone, that's what you look for coming out of college." As to filling Vinatieri's golden boots, Gostkowski reminded reporters that veteran Martin Gramatica is looking to do the same thing. "Its still early," he said. "Nothings set in stone yet."

link

very curious about this K battle.I would think if Martin does well he may have a shot at salvaging his career somehwere else IE if this rook is excellent, he may still have a shot

gramatica kicks too low nowadays and his power has waned... i think he's done.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Any word on Mare's situation in Miami?

 

[Mike Herman]

Denver punting & kickoffs news

The NFL has informed Todd Sauerbrun he faces a four- game suspension for testing positive for the banned substance ephedra. Sauerbrun, who left the Broncos facility without commenting Friday, has informed the team he plans to appeal the decision. In the likely scenario that route should fail, though, Elam will be one of several options who will be considered as a fill-in. Paul Ernster, who's coming off knee surgery on his right (plant) leg and is fully recovered, could fill the voids on punts and kickoffs left behind by Sauerbrun. Untested free agents Jeff Williams and Tyler Fredrickson also are on the roster.

The only positive for the Broncos is that any suspension for Sauerbrun wouldn't cost them a roster spot. He'd land on a reserve-suspended list by the commissioner and the Broncos would be allowed to carry an extra player, a spot that would have to be pared before Week 5 games. The two best in-house options to replace Sauerbrun are Elam and Ernster.

Jason Elam was a college punter at Hawaii, but his value on field goals has, in the past, precluded the team from using him in emergency situations. But he's itching, if needed, to add to the one punt for 17 yards he has logged during his previous 13 seasons. "I've punted with just about every NFL punter there is. I warm up right next to them on game days, so I know what I can do. And I'd welcome the chance. I'd love to see what I could do," Elam said. "It's something that I did in college and I actually tried out more as a punter coming out of college than as a field goal kicker. I think there were only two teams who tried me out as a field goal kicker and eight or nine as a punter."

The team still probably will have to find a kickoff specialist. It's a role Elam gave up a few years ago and isn't eager to resume. "I've ripped up my groin so many times it's gotten to the point where it hurts," he said. "I've been hurt so many times. And when I stopped doing kickoffs and they got a punter in here who could do it, I felt so much better kicking field goals and my percentage shot up the next couple years after that."

That could open the door for Paul Ernster, who led the nation as a college senior with a 47.8-yard punting average before getting drafted by Denver in the seventh round last season. He won the kickoff job out of training camp but had a disastrous showing in the season opener Sept. 11 and was moved to the practice squad before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in a knee. He resumed kicking in April and is feeling "phenomenal," with no lingering problems. "I'm just going to go out there and do my best every game and, hopefully, things will work out for me," Ernster said.

Still, the reality is the Broncos will have to keep afloat in road games at St. Louis and New England and home games against Kansas City and Baltimore without a player who placed fifth in the AFC with a 43.8-yard gross average and was third in the AFC with 14 kickoffs for touchbacks.

link

 

[Mike Herman]

Calgary Stampeders news

The Calgary Stampeders will soon enter a very interesting negotiation period with Sandro DeAngelis. Owner Ted Hellard wants to get the red-hot kicker under contract before the NFL comes calling. "But I am waiting for him to miss a field goal (before starting talks)," Hellard joked after watching DeAngelis put together another perfect game on Saturday in Regina, going six-for-six, including one from 52 yards. Since missing his second field-goal attempt on opening night of the season against the Edmonton Eskimos, DeAngelis is a perfect 15-for-15.

Considering the impressive resume he's put together in his two CFL seasons - best kicking percentage last year and seemingly unstoppable this year - DeAngelis will likely command almost $100,000, which is almost unheard of for a CFL kicker. The highest-paid punter/kicker in the league earns roughly $130,000.

But NFL aspirations could derail contract talks with the Stamps. In the option year of his current contract, DeAngelis has the option to go south of the border at the end of the year. "I'd be lying to you if I said the NFL isn't a goal of mine," said DeAngelis. "Coming from Nebraska and seeing some of my best friends (Josh Brown, Seattle; Kyle Larson, Cincinnati; Sam Koch, Baltimore) doing as well as they are (in the NFL), makes you wonder. But I believe in Ted Hellard and coach Tom Higgins and this organization. So, I hope they feel the same way about me and let's sit down and talk and see what happens."

link

 

[redman]

Bump for update on Gostkowski vs. Grammatica. Anything?

 

[Mike Herman]

Bump for update on Gostkowski vs. Grammatica. Anything?

"Kicker Stephen Gostkowski's four-year deal includes a $425,000 signing bonus and incentives that could increase the base salary in the final year."link

 

[Mike Herman]

Any word on Mare's situation in Miami?

Q: Did Olindo Mare ever accept the paycut the Dolphins had been seeking?A: No, Mare is still slated to earn $1.4 million in 2006. Even though the Dolphins brought in Mike Vanderjagt for a free-agent visit, my feeling is the team realized Mare was still the best value at $1.4 million compared to the other kickers who were available.

link

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Any word on Mare's situation in Miami?

Q: Did Olindo Mare ever accept the paycut the Dolphins had been seeking?A: No, Mare is still slated to earn $1.4 million in 2006. Even though the Dolphins brought in Mike Vanderjagt for a free-agent visit, my feeling is the team realized Mare was still the best value at $1.4 million compared to the other kickers who were available.

link

Thanks.

 

[Mike Herman]

Atlanta Breaking News

Kicker Zac Derr injured his groin and was waived Sunday, putting the much-anticipated field-goal kicking battle in flux. Derr and Tony Yelk, free agents who have never kicked in an NFL game, were seeking to win the job vacated by Todd Peterson, who was not re-signed. "I have a small tear in my groin," Derr said before he was waived. "[it's the] tendon that connects the groin to the bone." Derr missed the past four practices. "It's not quite day to day, but we are waiting for the tendon to scar back together," Derr said. Yelk and Michael Koenen, the punter who made 1 of 2 field goals (a 58-yarder) last season, kicked field goals in practice Saturday.

link

 

[Warpig]

Atlanta Breaking News

Kicker Zac Derr injured his groin and was waived Sunday, putting the much-anticipated field-goal kicking battle in flux. Derr and Tony Yelk, free agents who have never kicked in an NFL game, were seeking to win the job vacated by Todd Peterson, who was not re-signed. "I have a small tear in my groin," Derr said before he was waived. "[it's the] tendon that connects the groin to the bone." Derr missed the past four practices. "It's not quite day to day, but we are waiting for the tendon to scar back together," Derr said. Yelk and Michael Koenen, the punter who made 1 of 2 field goals (a 58-yarder) last season, kicked field goals in practice Saturday.

link

Damn. I was hoping he'd make it. Anyone know of any other kickers out there that can be picked up off the waiver wire? Now I'm just left with Gould.

 

[Beaumont]

Atlanta Breaking News

Kicker Zac Derr injured his groin and was waived Sunday, putting the much-anticipated field-goal kicking battle in flux. Derr and Tony Yelk, free agents who have never kicked in an NFL game, were seeking to win the job vacated by Todd Peterson, who was not re-signed. "I have a small tear in my groin," Derr said before he was waived. "[it's the] tendon that connects the groin to the bone." Derr missed the past four practices. "It's not quite day to day, but we are waiting for the tendon to scar back together," Derr said. Yelk and Michael Koenen, the punter who made 1 of 2 field goals (a 58-yarder) last season, kicked field goals in practice Saturday.

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Damn. I was hoping he'd make it. Anyone know of any other kickers out there that can be picked up off the waiver wire? Now I'm just left with Gould.

I think Connor Hughes could win the Saints job ...

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Atlanta Breaking News

Kicker Zac Derr injured his groin and was waived Sunday, putting the much-anticipated field-goal kicking battle in flux. Derr and Tony Yelk, free agents who have never kicked in an NFL game, were seeking to win the job vacated by Todd Peterson, who was not re-signed. "I have a small tear in my groin," Derr said before he was waived. "[it's the] tendon that connects the groin to the bone." Derr missed the past four practices. "It's not quite day to day, but we are waiting for the tendon to scar back together," Derr said. Yelk and Michael Koenen, the punter who made 1 of 2 field goals (a 58-yarder) last season, kicked field goals in practice Saturday.

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Damn. I was hoping he'd make it. Anyone know of any other kickers out there that can be picked up off the waiver wire? Now I'm just left with Gould.

Huston has a shot in Chicago.

 

[Mike Herman]

ATLANTA UPDATE

The Falcons have signed kicker Carlos Martinez

2001 Graduated from Buena Vista University in Iowa

2002 Played for Fresno Frenzy of AF2

2003 In Philadelphia Eagles training camp

2004 Signed by Tampa Bay Bucs in the off-season, allocated to NFLE, but didn't make a squad.

2004-2006 star kicker for Dallas Desperados in AFL

Speculation: the time in Dallas is probably where the Steve Hoffman connection exists.

... to be continued.

 

[Warpig]

ATLANTA UPDATE

The Falcons have signed kicker Carlos Martinez

2001 Graduated from Buena Vista University in Iowa

2002 Played for Fresno Frenzy of AF2

2003 In Philadelphia Eagles training camp

2004 Signed by Tampa Bay Bucs in the off-season, allocated to NFLE, but didn't make a squad.

2004-2006 star kicker for Dallas Desperados in AFL

Speculation: the time in Dallas is probably where the Steve Hoffman connection exists.

... to be continued.

Thanks Mike. Can you keep us posted on this? I need a kicker bad and if he sticks I'll pick him up.

 

[Mike Herman]

Atlanta News

Michael Koenen might be the Atlanta Falcons' leg for all reasons. The former Western Washington University standout was named Atlanta's starting place kicker for the team's first preseason game against the New England Patriots this Friday. Koenen, the Falcons' starting punter and kickoff specialist, also has been competing for place-kicking duties this season. The Falcons released kicker Carlos Martinez on Tuesday and moved Tony Yelk to the second team.

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[AB in DC]

When's the last time a player has been both kicker and punter for a team?