Pats Sign Martin Gramatica and Tebucky Jones (1 Viewer)

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patr...cker_gramatica/

 

[Warpig]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

Better Link to Come but you can bank on this.

Now that's making a splash in free agency!

 

[Bri]

Raidernation's recent K thread reminded me about how good Martin was years ago.

Interesting extra leg for TC, doubt he can do more than that but I guess it's possible

 

[Ham Wallet]

Wow Grammatica is only 31??

I thought he was older

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Wow Grammatica is only 31??

I thought he was older

I think it's supposed to say that he's 3' 1".

 

[Mike Herman]

The Patriots have been searching for a kicker ever since Adam Vinatieri left for Indianapolis. To help solve that problem, the team brought in former Buccaneers standout Gramatica. “Auotomatica” Gramatica – as he was once referred to – was out of football in 2005 after connecting on only 11-of-19 field goals with the Colts in 2004 while Mike Vanderjagt was injured.

Gramatica had four stellar years with the Bucs from 1999-2002 before spiraling downward in 2003 and being released. His powerful leg helped Gramatica connect on 14 kicks of over 50 yards during his time in Tampa Bay.

Gramatica had surgery on his lower abdomen early in 2004 and some believe that contributed to his struggles kicking the football because it affected his accuracy and power. He’s now believed to be fully recovered from his injury, so Gramatica will have a shot to win the kicking job in training camp. The Patriots will likely bring in a young kicker to compete with the veteran but if Gramatica can revert back to his old form, New England could have a steal on their hands.

www.patriots.comThe Downward Spiral

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 goal and one extra point attempts 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.

 

[MLBrandow]

Gramatica is a great kicker. The problem is that he had a lingering injury that he never got surjery on, and he kept trying to play through it, which just made it worse.

When he finally did heal up, he had lost all of his confidence on a struggling Tampa Bay team.

I think he'll be a sure-fire kicker for New England. No place better to build your confidence back up than playing for a team that won three of the last five Super Bowls.

 

[gman8343]

that patented Gramatica dance is gonna be AWESOME.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Did Doug Flutie not get a tryout?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Gramatica news

 

[Exile]

My first reaction when seeing the signing of Gramatica was that he would just be veteran competition for whatever young kicker the Patriots draft or sign. But after reading that an injury was the likely source of his decline, I'm hopeful that he might be more than that.

Seems like a good signing.

Tebucky Jones = speed but also missed tackles. It'll be interesting to see which of the many, many DBs the Pats have brought in will pan out this year. Jones could be nice backup FS.

 

[Bri]

Gramatica is a great kicker. The problem is that he had a lingering injury that he never got surjery on, and he kept trying to play through it, which just made it worse.

When he finally did heal up, he had lost all of his confidence on a struggling Tampa Bay team.

I think he'll be a sure-fire kicker for New England. No place better to build your confidence back up than playing for a team that won three of the last five Super Bowls.

kicker with lost confidence is useless though.Supe team=more pressure

replacing Adam=more pressure too

I'd say it's very iffy he even makes the team. As others have said, I'd expect a K to be drafted

 

[Boston]

Look for Gramatica to go into camp with a lot of competition. Probably one solid young prospect and than either another veteran or another youngster (or maybe both). If he regains his form of a few years ago than he may have an opportunity. Yet, I don't see the Pats putting all their eggs in this basket. One thing aboout Gramatica that concerns me is he has little experience kicking in bad weather conditions which are par for the course with the Pats. My guess is the Pats have their eye on a youngster and Gramatica is there for insurance.

As for TBuck the Pats are loading up on DBacks after last season's injury debacle. If he makes the team it will be as a special teamer/depth guy. The guy has always been a physical specimen but is definetly not the brightest bulb in town. He has played for BB before (actually starting on the 01 Super Bowl winner) so they know exactly what they have here.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Look for Gramatica to go into camp with a lot of competition. Probably one solid young prospect and than either another veteran or another youngster (or maybe both). If he regains his form of a few years ago than he may have an opportunity. Yet, I don't see the Pats putting all their eggs in this basket. One thing aboout Gramatica that concerns me is he has little experience kicking in bad weather conditions which are par for the course with the Pats. My guess is the Pats have their eye on a youngster and Gramatica is there for insurance.

As for TBuck the Pats are loading up on DBacks after last season's injury debacle. If he makes the team it will be as a special teamer/depth guy. The guy has always been a physical specimen but is definetly not the brightest bulb in town. He has played for BB before (actually starting on the 01 Super Bowl winner) so they know exactly what they have here.

TBuck was always a great special teamer with the Patriots. Because he signed for big money in New Orleans, he refused to play special teams. If he makes the team, he will be a solid depth guy.I'm not excited about Grammatica but when healthy he has a much bigger leg than Vinatieri.

 

[Jack Ham & Eggs]

I'd say the odds are no better than 20% Grammatica makes the team. A kicker with psychological baggage is baaaaaad news.

 

[Hobbes]

I'd say the odds are no better than 20% Grammatica makes the team. A kicker with psychological baggage is baaaaaad news.

And he'll be a lot more expensive than a younger kicker because of the league minimum salary rules...

 

[Raider Nation]

Gramatica is a great kicker. The problem is that he had a lingering injury that he never got surjery on, and he kept trying to play through it, which just made it worse.

Gramatica and Vinatieri actually have a lot in common.They are both kickers.

They both have 9 letters in their last name.

They both have dark hair.

They both, ummmm.... errrrrrrr........

 

[Billy1x]

Gramatica is a great kicker. The problem is that he had a lingering injury that he never got surjery on, and he kept trying to play through it, which just made it worse.

When he finally did heal up, he had lost all of his confidence on a struggling Tampa Bay team.

I think he'll be a sure-fire kicker for New England. No place better to build your confidence back up than playing for a team that won three of the last five Super Bowls.

kicker with lost confidence is useless though.Supe team=more pressure

replacing Adam=more pressure too

I'd say it's very iffy he even makes the team. As others have said, I'd expect a K to be drafted

I thought I read that the surgery happened after his last release, so this would be the first time he has kicked since it was repaired. I believe it was a chest tear of some type.Knowing the Patriots they got a steal.

 

[code]

Gramatica news

Sorry, but a few hours late.Pats reach contract agreement with Jones, Gramatica

 

[Kit Fisto]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

 

[Osaurus]

Hello Tebucky Jones.......goodbye Tebucky Car......

 

[code]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

 

[Workhorse]

Gramatica is a great kicker. The problem is that he had a lingering injury that he never got surjery on, and he kept trying to play through it, which just made it worse.

Gramatica and Vinatieri actually have a lot in common.They are both kickers.

They both have 9 letters in their last name.

They both have dark hair.

They both, ummmm.... errrrrrrr........

I'm going out on a limb:Before Gramatica got hurt, he was a better kicker than Vinatieri.

 

[Workhorse]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

If he's 100% recovered from his surgery, I think "Automatica" is the guy. If you think that the Pats will take a freakin kicker with a mid round pick, you're INSANE.

 

[Spike]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

 

[Kit Fisto]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

If he's 100% recovered from his surgery, I think "Automatica" is the guy. If you think that the Pats will take a freakin kicker with a mid round pick, you're INSANE.

I know, I know... But they do have a plethora of mid-to-late picks. Maybe not a first-day pick, but I'm willing to bet New England is the first team to take a kicker.

 

[code]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

They are talking about it live right now (streaming at weei.com)...theory is he is a veteran to help groom one of the many rookies they are scouting...

 

[Kit Fisto]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

They are talking about it live right now (streaming at weei.com)...theory is he is a veteran to help groom one of the many rookies they are scouting...

I wholeheartedly agree, unless Gramatica somehow regains his form. Even so, you gotta think the Pats keep another kicker around. Gramatica's not exactly the most dependable, even-keeled guy in the world, ya know?

 

[Workhorse]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

They are talking about it live right now (streaming at weei.com)...theory is he is a veteran to help groom one of the many rookies they are scouting...

I wholeheartedly agree, unless Gramatica somehow regains his form. Even so, you gotta think the Pats keep another kicker around. Gramatica's not exactly the most dependable, even-keeled guy in the world, ya know?

Until his injury, he was one of the most reliable and accurate kickers in the NFL.

 

[Boston]

If anyone doesn't understand why the Pats signed Martin they don't follow them closely. One of BB's prime goals in camp is to make sure no one is comfortable and there is competition at every spot. Especially with the young guys. Therefore the Pats always bring in a ton of guys to make sure everyone is kept honest. They do this every year.

Gramatica is here because the Pats have an opening. He has had success in the past and so have the Pats when it comes to reclamation projects. Gramatica will get an opportunity. Yet, I can guarantee you there will be other players competing for that job and there's an excellent chance that at least one of them will be more of a favorite to win this job. If the Pats catch a break and Gramatica performs very well in preseason and becomes the next Andruzzi or Antowain than fine but the chances are probably against him actually winning this job.

 

[Workhorse]

If anyone doesn't understand why the Pats signed Martin they don't follow them closely. One of BB's prime goals in camp is to make sure no one is comfortable and there is competition at every spot. Especially with the young guys. Therefore the Pats always bring in a ton of guys to make sure everyone is kept honest. They do this every year.

Gramatica is here because the Pats have an opening. He has had success in the past and so have the Pats when it comes to reclamation projects. Gramatica will get an opportunity. Yet, I can guarantee you there will be other players competing for that job and there's an excellent chance that at least one of them will be more of a favorite to win this job. If the Pats catch a break and Gramatica performs very well in preseason and becomes the next Andruzzi or Antowain than fine but the chances are probably against him actually winning this job.

Good post. But I don't think that the Pats will use anything other than a very late round pick on a kicker.

 

[Gargoylez]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

They are talking about it live right now (streaming at weei.com)...theory is he is a veteran to help groom one of the many rookies they are scouting...

I wholeheartedly agree, unless Gramatica somehow regains his form. Even so, you gotta think the Pats keep another kicker around. Gramatica's not exactly the most dependable, even-keeled guy in the world, ya know?

Until his injury, he was one of the most reliable and accurate kickers in the NFL.

Martin Gramatica is a horrible PK. Because of him the Bucs lost 4-5 games in the year following the Superbowl, making them miss the playoffs, and the game against the Carolina PAnthers when he missed 2 FG's inside the 40 and a friggen XP... blocked or not, his kick was horrible. We could nto get rid of him quick enough! Good luck with him... he will be cut by the end of training camp.

 

[Workhorse]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

They are talking about it live right now (streaming at weei.com)...theory is he is a veteran to help groom one of the many rookies they are scouting...

I wholeheartedly agree, unless Gramatica somehow regains his form. Even so, you gotta think the Pats keep another kicker around. Gramatica's not exactly the most dependable, even-keeled guy in the world, ya know?

Until his injury, he was one of the most reliable and accurate kickers in the NFL.

Martin Gramatica is a horrible PK. Because of him the Bucs lost 4-5 games in the year following the Superbowl, making them miss the playoffs, and the game against the Carolina PAnthers when he missed 2 FG's inside the 40 and a friggen XP... blocked or not, his kick was horrible. We could nto get rid of him quick enough! Good luck with him... he will be cut by the end of training camp.

So injuries aren't an excuse for a guy who was a VERY good kicker (who helped you WIN that first Super Bowl, by the way) becoming a horrible PK?http://bucs.tbo.com/MGB8VCCCHAE.html

I'm not saying that he'll be as good as he was for those three EXCELLENT years in Tampa, but you've got a pretty short memory if you think that Gramatica was never good in the first place.

Before that injury, he did the following from 2000-2002:

20-29 - 24 for 26

30-39 - 31 for 34

40-49 - 18 for 26

50+ - 10 for 16

In the 3 Super Bowl years for the Pats, Vinatieri did the following:

20-29 - 37 for 38

30-39 - 18 for 23

40-49 - 23 for 32

50+ - 1 for 3

Just food for thought.

 

[Gargoylez]

I think this Gramatica signing is a smokescreen. The Pats have multiple 3rds and 4ths and my bet is that they take Slotkowski or Huston there.

Training camp competition, that's all Gramatica is. If he gains his confidence back, maybe the rookie goes on the practice squad.

Just minutes before your post on WEEI Dale Arnold speculated the same...predicted Gramatica will have a total of zero attempts in a Patriots uniform this season...

Did he then speculate on why they would sign him?

They are talking about it live right now (streaming at weei.com)...theory is he is a veteran to help groom one of the many rookies they are scouting...

I wholeheartedly agree, unless Gramatica somehow regains his form. Even so, you gotta think the Pats keep another kicker around. Gramatica's not exactly the most dependable, even-keeled guy in the world, ya know?

Until his injury, he was one of the most reliable and accurate kickers in the NFL.

Martin Gramatica is a horrible PK. Because of him the Bucs lost 4-5 games in the year following the Superbowl, making them miss the playoffs, and the game against the Carolina PAnthers when he missed 2 FG's inside the 40 and a friggen XP... blocked or not, his kick was horrible. We could nto get rid of him quick enough! Good luck with him... he will be cut by the end of training camp.

So injuries aren't an excuse for a guy who was a VERY good kicker (who helped you WIN that first Super Bowl, by the way) becoming a horrible PK?http://bucs.tbo.com/MGB8VCCCHAE.html

I'm not saying that he'll be as good as he was for those three EXCELLENT years in Tampa, but you've got a pretty short memory if you think that Gramatica was never good in the first place.

Before that injury, he did the following from 2000-2002:

20-29 - 24 for 26

30-39 - 31 for 34

40-49 - 18 for 26

50+ - 10 for 16

In the 3 Super Bowl years for the Pats, Vinatieri did the following:

20-29 - 37 for 38

30-39 - 18 for 23

40-49 - 23 for 32

50+ - 1 for 3

Just food for thought.

never said that. Gramatica prior to the superbowl was top 3 kicker. The year and half after wards, he sucked. Horrible. Injury or not, he could not get it done.Lets not make a Lion out of a little orange tabby, he is what he is... a terrible kicker. There is an outside chance he could improve, but I doubt it very seriously, he was flat out bad.

 

[Boston]

If anyone doesn't understand why the Pats signed Martin they don't follow them closely.  One of BB's prime goals in camp is to make sure no one is comfortable and there is competition at every spot.  Especially with the young guys.  Therefore the Pats always bring in a ton of guys to make sure everyone is kept honest.  They do this every year.

Gramatica is here because the Pats have an opening.  He has had success in the past and so have the Pats when it comes to reclamation projects.  Gramatica will get an opportunity.  Yet, I can guarantee you there will be other players competing for that job and there's an excellent chance that at least one of them will be more of a favorite to win this job.  If the Pats catch a break and Gramatica performs very well in preseason and becomes the next Andruzzi or Antowain than fine but the chances are probably against him actually winning this job.

Good post. But I don't think that the Pats will use anything other than a very late round pick on a kicker.

Agreed. If they use anything prior to a #6 I'd be surprised (although when it comes to the Pats it's almost impossible to be surprised anymore). They have those extra 6's so they could use one there. Wouldn't surprise me if they had their eyes on a youngster who they feel they can pick up without drafting and grab him as an undrafted free agent.