Kicker Battles (1 Viewer)

[Ron_Mexico]

What's to become of the Gostkowski Grammatica

battle in New England ?

I just can't see Gostkowski losing this opportunity.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

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

Exclusively?I've seen punters take longer kicks for teams before, but not act as the primary for both.

 

[MLBrandow]

What's to become of the Gostkowski Grammatica

battle in New England ?

I just can't see Gostkowski losing this opportunity.

Gramatica is 11-12 in the playoffs for his career. He was always money in the bag until he got hurt, and trying to play through injury through two seasons doomed him in.

He's healthy now, and he's kicking like he's a pro bowler again. If the kickers are equal, Belichick will go with the pro bowler over the unproven rookie.

Gramatica's problem is that while his FG strength is great (believe he nailed a few 60+ at USF), his kickoffs are usually pretty weak.

IMHO, I believe Gostkowski is the kickoff specialists. One of the hallmarks of his college career was that he would nearly always whack it inside the 5 or for a touchback.

Again, IMHO this is Gramatica's job by a mile unless Gostkowski absolutely blows him away, which it is clear now there is no separation.

per nfl.com:

Gostkowski is a strong-legged kicker who earned his opportunity to impress scouts at this year's Senior Bowl, but was surprisingly left off the list of specialists invited to the NFL Combine. He converted three 50-plus field goals as a senior and had seven games where he converted two or more field goals. He completed his college career as the active leader in field goals made with 70. The Baton Rouge, La., native was also a member of the school's baseball team, where he was a pitcher. He earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors in both football and baseball. Over the course of his career, the majority of his kickoffs landed at or beyond the opposing team's 5-yard line. He has the desired leg strength, but his accuracy is not always that of a top-flight prospect. He is the type of long-term project that could make the rounds thanks to his natural leg strength, and then develop into a starting kicker with two or three more years of experience. He needs to develop more consistency on the hang time of his kickoffs to be considered for that role early in his career.

Pencil in Gramatica for FGs, Gostkowski for kickoffs and fake FGs throwing for TDs.

 

[redman]

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

I don't know, but I've often wondered why it is that it's not done more given how precious those last few roster spots can be for a team that wants to protect a prospect or that needs an extra DB or something.

 

[MLBrandow]

any thoughts regarding my analysis of NE K situation? Would be great to hear some NE thoughts, as I'm sure many are more in tune with the team than I (tampa)

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Also are these teams happy with their kickers?

3.  Washington (John Hall)

Unfortunately, the Skins seem to be Happy with Hall. So says Gibbs and so says the Special teams coach.They certainly didn't do anything in the offseason to lead me to believe that they are unhappy with Hall. I certainly am not happy about him. He's been injured for the better part of the last 2 years and doesn't seem to have much accuracy these days. This team has lots of potential but we all know what can happen to a team if the kicker sucks.

 

[Biabreakable]

I thought you might enjoy this Cappy:

thedude33 Nov 1 2005, 01:03 PM Post #1

I'm starting the Semi-Official Robbie Gould Fan Club, suckas.

Why is it semi-official? Cause although I have no real authority to make an official fan club, I am thedude33; and whatever thedude33 does is somewhat official ... sort of.

Why Robbie Gould? If you haven't seen the lick this kid put on Eddie Drummond, you need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself whether you have what it takes to be a Bears fan. Then click here, punk!

Now, some of our pickier posters who drink their tea with their pinky fingers in the air want a kicker who gets fancy schmancy touchbacks and who has a high namby pamby fieldgoal percentage. To them I say nuts! Nuts, I say! They need to go get their monocles checked, cause I'm looking a real football player in The R.G.

I don't know if this kid will have a long career in the NFL. Heck, I don't even know if he'll hit another field goal. All I knows is that hit alone makes him the best darn kicker we've had since Kevin Butthead. That's right I said it.

I started this semi-official fan club, so that makes me the No. 1 member. Now who here has the cojones to be No. 2? If you're wondering what was just thrown down, it would be the gauntlet, my friends.

For more Robbie Gould commentary. http://bears.hosttown.com/index.php?showtopic=82717&hl=

ETA- if your league awards points for tackles adjust your rankings for Gould accordingly.

 

[msommer]

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

Hentrich a few years back when Nedney went down?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

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

Hentrich a few years back when Nedney went down?

Thanks, I new a TItan had done it. What really irks me is that if / when a punter gets hurt, the PK sometimes not only isn't the backup, but CAN'T do it.Excuse me? Don't you KICK A BALL for a living?Take the Eagles last year. Akers gets hurt - a LB goes out for an extra point?????

 

[Mike Herman]

I thought you might enjoy this Cappy:

thedude33 Nov 1 2005, 01:03 PM Post #1

I'm starting the Semi-Official Robbie Gould Fan Club, suckas.

Why is it semi-official? Cause although I have no real authority to make an official fan club, I am thedude33; and whatever thedude33 does is somewhat official ... sort of.

Why Robbie Gould? If you haven't seen the lick this kid put on Eddie Drummond, you need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself whether you have what it takes to be a Bears fan. Then click here, punk!

Now, some of our pickier posters who drink their tea with their pinky fingers in the air want a kicker who gets fancy schmancy touchbacks and who has a high namby pamby fieldgoal percentage. To them I say nuts! Nuts, I say! They need to go get their monocles checked, cause I'm looking a real football player in The R.G.

I don't know if this kid will have a long career in the NFL. Heck, I don't even know if he'll hit another field goal. All I knows is that hit alone makes him the best darn kicker we've had since Kevin Butthead. That's right I said it.

I started this semi-official fan club, so that makes me the No. 1 member. Now who here has the cojones to be No. 2? If you're wondering what was just thrown down, it would be the gauntlet, my friends.

For more Robbie Gould commentary. http://bears.hosttown.com/index.php?showtopic=82717&hl=

ETA- if your league awards points for tackles adjust your rankings for Gould accordingly.

good stuff

 

[Mike Herman]

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

Hentrich a few years back when Nedney went down?

Thanks, I new a TItan had done it. What really irks me is that if / when a punter gets hurt, the PK sometimes not only isn't the backup, but CAN'T do it.Excuse me? Don't you KICK A BALL for a living?Take the Eagles last year. Akers gets hurt - a LB goes out for an extra point?????

Punting, place kicking, and kicking off are all different skill sets. Some guys can multi-task, some cannot.

 

[JohnDoe]

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

I think Russell Erkslaven of the Saints handled both duties (I have a fuzzy memory of his football card showing P - K). Maybe Nik Mike-Meyer also.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

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

Hentrich a few years back when Nedney went down?

Thanks, I new a TItan had done it. What really irks me is that if / when a punter gets hurt, the PK sometimes not only isn't the backup, but CAN'T do it.Excuse me? Don't you KICK A BALL for a living?Take the Eagles last year. Akers gets hurt - a LB goes out for an extra point?????

Punting, place kicking, and kicking off are all different skill sets. Some guys can multi-task, some cannot.

I agree - to be prolific on the highest level, certainly specialization helps.But give me a break as for the punter or kicker to be the emergency backup for each other. For that not to be the case is pretty embarrassing.

 

[redman]

Also are these teams happy with their kickers?

3.  Washington (John Hall)

Unfortunately, the Skins seem to be Happy with Hall. So says Gibbs and so says the Special teams coach.They certainly didn't do anything in the offseason to lead me to believe that they are unhappy with Hall. I certainly am not happy about him. He's been injured for the better part of the last 2 years and doesn't seem to have much accuracy these days. This team has lots of potential but we all know what can happen to a team if the kicker sucks.

Well, I agree with you. In the three months since I posted that, he seems to have gotten healthy and the team does not appear to have brought in anyone who can plausibly replace him. I hope they don't regret it, but either way I revise my above answer thusly:

 

[Mike Herman]

Also are these teams happy with their kickers?

3. Washington (John Hall)

Unfortunately, the Skins seem to be Happy with Hall. So says Gibbs and so says the Special teams coach.They certainly didn't do anything in the offseason to lead me to believe that they are unhappy with Hall. I certainly am not happy about him. He's been injured for the better part of the last 2 years and doesn't seem to have much accuracy these days. This team has lots of potential but we all know what can happen to a team if the kicker sucks.

Well, I agree with you. In the three months since I posted that, he seems to have gotten healthy and the team does not appear to have brought in anyone who can plausibly replace him. I hope they don't regret it, but either way I revise my above answer thusly:

"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." - special teams coach Danny Smith on John Hall vs. Tyler Jones

link

"You never want to miss field goals. Don't get me wrong there. But I think we have a lot of confidence in him."

- head coach Joe Gibbs after Hall missed his first two FG attempts in last week's scrimmage

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

E.J. Cochrane is the #2 kicker in Philly behind Akers.

He has a big leg and kicked a touchback (5 yards deep) after he made a late FG vs. Cleveland Thursday (8/10).

He could make the team as a kickoff specialist. Merrill Reese (radio play by play) says he's likely the biggest leg / best #2 kicker that has been brought in during the Akers' era in Philly.

 

[Mike Herman]

Koenen was 4-of-4 (40, 44, 45 and 50) on FGs in the game against the Patriots. The 40 yarder won the game as time expired.

"I can't say he won the job. I liked what I saw tonight, but I'm concerned about having a guy do all three jobs. I'll take another week or so to see how he is, see how he feels. The last thing I want to do is wear him out. But with his ability to affect the game, like he did tonight, it's something we have to think long and hard about."

- head coach Mora

 

[The Mechanic]

Koenen was 4-of-4 (40, 44, 45 and 50) on FGs in the game against the Patriots. The 40 yarder won the game as time expired."I can't say he won the job. I liked what I saw tonight, but I'm concerned about having a guy do all three jobs. I'll take another week or so to see how he is, see how he feels. The last thing I want to do is wear him out. But with his ability to affect the game, like he did tonight, it's something we have to think long and hard about."- head coach Mora

" VVVERY INTERESTING" as Shultz used to say from Hogan's Heros.Ya we all know Kickers are all the same and draft them very late & bla, bla, bla. IF your league hands out bonuses for long field goals this gentelman may be the advantage for your team by years end.Love this Kicker thread.

 

[Mike Herman]

"It was planned that I was going to kick some field goals and see how I did and how my body held up doing everything and it worked out. One of the things coaches wanted to see was if I could make a game-winner. See if I could make the long field goals and short field goals. I was thinking, 'Well, this is an opportunity to make a game-winner,' and I made it."

- Atlanta P/K Michael Koenen

 

[Beaumont]

Koenen was 4-of-4 (40, 44, 45 and 50) on FGs in the game against the Patriots. The 40 yarder won the game as time expired."I can't say he won the job. I liked what I saw tonight, but I'm concerned about having a guy do all three jobs. I'll take another week or so to see how he is, see how he feels. The last thing I want to do is wear him out. But with his ability to affect the game, like he did tonight, it's something we have to think long and hard about."- head coach Mora

" VVVERY INTERESTING" as Shultz used to say from Hogan's Heros.Ya we all know Kickers are all the same and draft them very late & bla, bla, bla. IF your league hands out bonuses for long field goals this gentelman may be the advantage for your team by years end.Love this Kicker thread.

Some of my leagues have punters and kickers. This guy could possibly get you double points ...That is worth a whole lot ...

 

[Wingnut]

Edinger is still unsigned....

 

[MLBrandow]

Edinger is still unsigned....

Probably has something to do with Longwell being signed to replace him?

 

[Wingnut]

Edinger is still unsigned....

Probably has something to do with Longwell being signed to replace him?

Ummm....yeah, but Im stating that hes still a free agent. He would be an upgrade at the position to quite a few teams.

 

[Mike Herman]

Edinger is still unsigned....

Probably has something to do with Longwell being signed to replace him?

Ummm....yeah, but Im stating that hes still a free agent. He would be an upgrade at the position to quite a few teams.

The Packers had him in for a tryout last week, but did not sign him.

 

[Mike Herman]

Atlanta update

The kicking plans are not finalized for Green Bay, but the Falcons might give Tony Yelk a chance to punt, according to special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and coach Jim Mora. Michael Koenen, who made the team as the punter last season, made four field goals against New England, including a 50-yarder and a game-winning 40-yarder. Yelk had two kickoffs and one extra-point attempt. The Falcons are wondering if Koenen should handle all of the kicking and punting chores. Yelk was Iowa State's kickoff specialist last season and was their main punter in 2002 and 2003, averaging 41.4 yards per punt.

"We have to decide as a staff, as a organization, if that's the way we want to go," Mora said. "Then we have to have plans in place if he were to get hurt or if he were to start struggling in one area or the other. We'd have to have plans in place if we decided to go that way. We haven't decided that yet. We're still weighing our options. I'll tell you what, it was great to see him go out there and bang them through."

link

 

[Mike Herman]

Dallas news

Cowboys new kicker Mike Vanderjagt has not attempted a field goal this week. A little light jogging has been about the only thing he's done. "I don't know what's the matter with him," Parcells said about Vanderjagt. "Don't get me going on these kickers." Vanderjagt kicked a 21-yard field goal in the 13-3 victory against Seattle and did not kickoff. The NFL's most accurate kicker has struggled with his accuracy during training camp. Shaun Suisham and Tyler Fredrickson have shared the field-goal attempts this week.

link

 

[gruecd]

Edinger is still unsigned....

Probably has something to do with Longwell being signed to replace him?

Ummm....yeah, but Im stating that hes still a free agent. He would be an upgrade at the position to quite a few teams.

The Packers had him in for a tryout last week, but did not sign him.

....yet.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I noticed Jeff had Rob Bironas ranked 8th among place kickers.

After last year's sub-par year, I wonder about the high ranking.

Maybe Jeff can shed some light.

I'm currently sitting with Mike "Ted" Nugent on my roster,

but I'm afraid the Jets won't be able to move the ball

at all giving "Ted" minimal scoring opportunities.

Others available

Koenen ATL

Janikowski OAK

Grammatica NE

Bironas TEN

Stover BAL

Leaning towards taking a chance on KOENEN,

ATL should be putting some points on the board for sure.

opinions ?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I noticed Jeff had Rob Bironas ranked 8th among place kickers.After last year's sub-par year, I wonder about the high ranking.Maybe Jeff can shed some light.I'm currently sitting with Mike "Ted" Nugent on my roster,but I'm afraid the Jets won't be able to move the ballat all giving "Ted" minimal scoring opportunities.Others availableKoenen ATLJanikowski OAKGrammatica NEBironas TENStover BALLeaning towards taking a chance on KOENEN,ATL should be putting some points on the board for sure.opinions ?

Bironas has a few good things going for him.1. Big leg (can kick 50+)2. Coach that lets him try from 50+ (more important than many think)3. Close to 80% (79%) last yearAnd then the team:1. Change of QB - struggles in the red zone?2. RBs may have issues punching it inThose factors lead me to have Bironas higher than many.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Jeff,

I know pre-season stats don't count for a whole lot

compared to regular season, but for Kickers, I see little

difference between pre-season and regular season.

Having said that, Janikowsi's preseason numbers are red hot.

6 for 6 with blasts from 51 and 55.

I dumped Mike Nugent and grabbed Janikowski.

 

[Mike Herman]

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

Here's your answer:

One must go back 25 seasons to find a player who handled all three jobs on a regular basis. That was Frank Corral of the Los Angeles Rams. Corral had 89 punts, kicked off 70 times and attempted 26 field goals. Since then, no team has called on one kicker to do triple duty except on an emergency basis or other unusual circumstances.

link

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Jeff,I know pre-season stats don't count for a whole lotcompared to regular season, but for Kickers, I see littledifference between pre-season and regular season.Having said that, Janikowsi's preseason numbers are red hot.6 for 6 with blasts from 51 and 55.I dumped Mike Nugent and grabbed Janikowski.

Seabass has had a nortoriously bad season last year, making just 20 of 30 FGs.Also Oakland looks putrid so far.I wouldn't count on him too much.Koenen is a great play, though.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Jeff,I know pre-season stats don't count for a whole lotcompared to regular season, but for Kickers, I see littledifference between pre-season and regular season.Having said that, Janikowsi's preseason numbers are red hot.6 for 6 with blasts from 51 and 55.I dumped Mike Nugent and grabbed Janikowski.

Seabass has had a nortoriously bad season last year, making just 20 of 30 FGs.Also Oakland looks putrid so far.I wouldn't count on him too much.Koenen is a great play, though.

But you have Janikowski ranked ahead of Koenen. In defense of the Koenen pick, I like the dome factor as well as ATLbeing able to move the ball much more effectively than OAK.Any concerns about his lack of accuracy in college, Jeff ?11 of 12 (91.7%) from 30 yds and under12 of 19 (63.2%) from 30 to 39 yds15 of 26 (57.7%) from 40 to 49 yds 5 of 17 (29.4%) from 50+ ydsthanks for the input.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Jeff,I know pre-season stats don't count for a whole lotcompared to regular season, but for Kickers, I see littledifference between pre-season and regular season.Having said that, Janikowsi's preseason numbers are red hot.6 for 6 with blasts from 51 and 55.I dumped Mike Nugent and grabbed Janikowski.

Seabass has had a nortoriously bad season last year, making just 20 of 30 FGs.Also Oakland looks putrid so far.I wouldn't count on him too much.Koenen is a great play, though.

But you have Janikowski ranked ahead of Koenen. In defense of the Koenen pick, I like the dome factor as well as ATLbeing able to move the ball much more effectively than OAK.Any concerns about his lack of accuracy in college, Jeff ?11 of 12 (91.7%) from 30 yds and under12 of 19 (63.2%) from 30 to 39 yds15 of 26 (57.7%) from 40 to 49 yds 5 of 17 (29.4%) from 50+ ydsthanks for the input.

Wow, we're going to Koenen's college career, or Seabass?I won't hazard to guess - I'll let Mike take a shot at this. I prefer not to guess if I don't definitively know.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

oh, and Koenen is low until he 100% wins the job.

Then he shoots up.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

oh, and Koenen is low until he 100% wins the job.Then he shoots up.

How do view his chances at winning the job ?I'm thinking 85-90%.

 

[The Man With No Name]

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

Don Cockroft kicked and punted for the Browns from 1968-1976. Don't know if he was the last to do it, though.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

oh, and Koenen is low until he 100% wins the job.Then he shoots up.

How do view his chances at winning the job ?I'm thinking 85-90%.

or higher, yes.I took him as my 2nd K already last evening.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Since I've got your ear, Jeff...

I'm holding 3 defenses, Patriots, Bengals, and Jacksonville.

Would you recemmend dropping

one of the defenses to grab an extra Kicker ?

I was thinking it would be nice to have both

GHB Janikowski & Koenen.

thanks.

 

[redman]

So at this point, absent injury to Grammatica, does Gostkowski have a shot at the FG kicking job in NE?

 

[BoulderBob]

So at this point, absent injury to Grammatica, does Gostkowski have a shot at the FG kicking job in NE?

The rest of the pre-season will determine the answer to this question, but if Martin is indeed healthy, he will win the job. The guy was a stud at Kansas State/Bucs, and has kicked in big spots throughout his career. He has proven to be a kicker who can knock it through the up-rights in any type of weather (necessary for NE's kicker) and does have a cannon for a leg (see 65 yard FG at KSU, plus many attempts at 60+ yarders during his time there and TB). Nevertheless, you are not going to get a yes or no answer at this point in time. If I had to put a % on the likelyhood of Martin winning the job, absent injury, I'd put it at 90%.EDIT: Just looked up some info on Gostkowski, had no idea he was a 4th round pick. I doubt the Pats will let him go. I still think Grammatica wins the job, but his leash will be much shorter come the regular season. Probably a situation I'd stay away from, as there are better options available in better kicking climates.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Since I've got your ear, Jeff...I'm holding 3 defenses, Patriots, Bengals, and Jacksonville.Would you recemmend droppingone of the defenses to grab an extra Kicker ?I was thinking it would be nice to have bothGHB Janikowski & Koenen.thanks.

If you have Janikowski now, you need a 2nd K by week 3 anyway.Cut Cincy or NE (prob Cincy) and get Koenen.If you love the 3 Ds, go back and get them after Week 3.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Cundiff Released.

Apparently Rayner's the kicker??

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Since I've got your ear, Jeff...I'm holding 3 defenses, Patriots, Bengals, and Jacksonville.Would you recemmend droppingone of the defenses to grab an extra Kicker ?I was thinking it would be nice to have bothGHB Janikowski & Koenen.thanks.

If you have Janikowski now, you need a 2nd K by week 3 anyway.Cut Cincy or NE (prob Cincy) and get Koenen.If you love the 3 Ds, go back and get them after Week 3.

I just traded Gado, Coles & Bengals DforBranch, Morency, & Dolphins D - (I have Lundy and Cotchery on my roster)Check this out.....Now with the Dolphins Dto play along side of NE.....Here's a list of the opponents if I start the weaker team against either NE or Miamion a weekly basis....1. Buffalo2. Buffalo3. Tennessee4. Houston5. Miami6. @ NYJ7. @ Buffalo8. @ Minnesota9. @ Chicago10. NYJ11. @ Green Bay12. Chicago13. Detroit14. @ Miami15. Houston16. NYJsweet f'n strategy..... thoughts ?The way this sets up,I'll trade or drop my JAX defense for Koenen.

 

[Mike Herman]

Jeff,I know pre-season stats don't count for a whole lotcompared to regular season, but for Kickers, I see littledifference between pre-season and regular season.Having said that, Janikowsi's preseason numbers are red hot.6 for 6 with blasts from 51 and 55.I dumped Mike Nugent and grabbed Janikowski.

Seabass has had a nortoriously bad season last year, making just 20 of 30 FGs.Also Oakland looks putrid so far.I wouldn't count on him too much.Koenen is a great play, though.

Not to worry, Seabass has it all under control:"I eat healthy now. I don't go to McDonald's at 1 o'clock in the morning. I played basketball twice a week with friends in a league. That helps."- Sebastian Janikowski

 

[Sand]

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

Gardocki? He was superb at both (and only does punting now).

 

[redman]

So at this point, absent injury to Grammatica, does Gostkowski have a shot at the FG kicking job in NE?

The rest of the pre-season will determine the answer to this question, but if Martin is indeed healthy, he will win the job. The guy was a stud at Kansas State/Bucs, and has kicked in big spots throughout his career. He has proven to be a kicker who can knock it through the up-rights in any type of weather (necessary for NE's kicker) and does have a cannon for a leg (see 65 yard FG at KSU, plus many attempts at 60+ yarders during his time there and TB). Nevertheless, you are not going to get a yes or no answer at this point in time. If I had to put a % on the likelyhood of Martin winning the job, absent injury, I'd put it at 90%.EDIT: Just looked up some info on Gostkowski, had no idea he was a 4th round pick. I doubt the Pats will let him go. I still think Grammatica wins the job, but his leash will be much shorter come the regular season. Probably a situation I'd stay away from, as there are better options available in better kicking climates.

I appreciate your response, but your EDIT has me believing that you're no better informed than I am to evaluate this situation. I'm hoping I can get some insight from a local or at least close follower of the Pats on this one. My best info at this point seems to imply that Gostkowski will make the squad and do kickoffs this year in the hope that his accuracy on FG's will improve to the point where he can be the only kicker they need; MG will be the FG kicker on the squad until that happens. Has anything changed?

 

[SammyJankis]

What's to become of the Gostkowski Grammatica

battle in New England ?

I just can't see Gostkowski losing this opportunity.

Gramatica is 11-12 in the playoffs for his career. He was always money in the bag until he got hurt, and trying to play through injury through two seasons doomed him in.

He's healthy now, and he's kicking like he's a pro bowler again. If the kickers are equal, Belichick will go with the pro bowler over the unproven rookie.

Gramatica's problem is that while his FG strength is great (believe he nailed a few 60+ at USF), his kickoffs are usually pretty weak.

IMHO, I believe Gostkowski is the kickoff specialists. One of the hallmarks of his college career was that he would nearly always whack it inside the 5 or for a touchback.

Again, IMHO this is Gramatica's job by a mile unless Gostkowski absolutely blows him away, which it is clear now there is no separation.

per nfl.com:

Gostkowski is a strong-legged kicker who earned his opportunity to impress scouts at this year's Senior Bowl, but was surprisingly left off the list of specialists invited to the NFL Combine. He converted three 50-plus field goals as a senior and had seven games where he converted two or more field goals. He completed his college career as the active leader in field goals made with 70. The Baton Rouge, La., native was also a member of the school's baseball team, where he was a pitcher. He earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors in both football and baseball. Over the course of his career, the majority of his kickoffs landed at or beyond the opposing team's 5-yard line. He has the desired leg strength, but his accuracy is not always that of a top-flight prospect. He is the type of long-term project that could make the rounds thanks to his natural leg strength, and then develop into a starting kicker with two or three more years of experience. He needs to develop more consistency on the hang time of his kickoffs to be considered for that role early in his career.

Pencil in Gramatica for FGs, Gostkowski for kickoffs and fake FGs throwing for TDs.

What's the word on the New England kicker battle? I had read going into training camp that Gostkowski had the leg up on Grammatica because he was better on kickoffs. Then I saw the above post that made it sound like Grammatica's job to lose.

Pats swapped kickers in the first preseason game, but Gostlkowski played all of the last preseason game and was 3/3. Is Gostkowski now the front-runner?

 

[redman]

What's to become of the Gostkowski Grammatica

battle in New England ?

I just can't see Gostkowski losing this opportunity.

Gramatica is 11-12 in the playoffs for his career. He was always money in the bag until he got hurt, and trying to play through injury through two seasons doomed him in.

He's healthy now, and he's kicking like he's a pro bowler again. If the kickers are equal, Belichick will go with the pro bowler over the unproven rookie.

Gramatica's problem is that while his FG strength is great (believe he nailed a few 60+ at USF), his kickoffs are usually pretty weak.

IMHO, I believe Gostkowski is the kickoff specialists. One of the hallmarks of his college career was that he would nearly always whack it inside the 5 or for a touchback.

Again, IMHO this is Gramatica's job by a mile unless Gostkowski absolutely blows him away, which it is clear now there is no separation.

per nfl.com:

Gostkowski is a strong-legged kicker who earned his opportunity to impress scouts at this year's Senior Bowl, but was surprisingly left off the list of specialists invited to the NFL Combine. He converted three 50-plus field goals as a senior and had seven games where he converted two or more field goals. He completed his college career as the active leader in field goals made with 70. The Baton Rouge, La., native was also a member of the school's baseball team, where he was a pitcher. He earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors in both football and baseball. Over the course of his career, the majority of his kickoffs landed at or beyond the opposing team's 5-yard line. He has the desired leg strength, but his accuracy is not always that of a top-flight prospect. He is the type of long-term project that could make the rounds thanks to his natural leg strength, and then develop into a starting kicker with two or three more years of experience. He needs to develop more consistency on the hang time of his kickoffs to be considered for that role early in his career.

Pencil in Gramatica for FGs, Gostkowski for kickoffs and fake FGs throwing for TDs.

What's the word on the New England kicker battle? I had read going into training camp that Gostkowski had the leg up on Grammatica because he was better on kickoffs. Then I saw the above post that made it sound like Grammatica's job to lose.

Pats swapped kickers in the first preseason game, but Gostlkowski played all of the last preseason game and was 3/3. Is Gostkowski now the front-runner?

I've heard nothing to indicate that that arrangement is changed: Gostkowski is there for kickoffs with the idea that he and his stronger leg will develop into the FG kicker long term; Grammatica meanwhile will kick the FG's.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Gostkowski sure looked good this weekend.

Gramatica looked bored on the sidelines.