Should We Punt Groom?

[SmootSmack]

What have you guys thought of Andy Groom so far? I've been kind of disappointed in him so far actually. But I can't quite pinpoint what exactly it is that's bugging me about him.

I don't think punter is a position we can really afford to overlook. Field position is huge, especially for us since I expect we'll be playing a lot of tight games. So is it worth it to go through the growing pains with him or should we maybe consider looking for a veteran?

[jbcjr14]

We have lost the field position game in both contests this year. I don't think Groom has done a horrible job. In fact, I think he has done well given he is a rookie and certainly has not kicked a shankey yet.

[MTK]

Problem is what else is out there?

He's young, but I think he's worth developing.

[ChounsMan]

Keep Groom, lets not lose another Akers because we are not patient.

[That Guy]

he gets it high, as seen by most of our coverage, giving them enough time to get downfield hasn't been a big problem... a couple extra yards would be cool though.

[illdefined]

is Tupa on IR?, he's not coming back?

[MTK]

Originally Posted by illdefined

is Tupa on IR?, he's not coming back?

yes he's on IR

[SmootSmack]

You guys are probably right. I guess I just had really high expectations of him that I want to see more out of him. Sort of the same way I feel about Patten. All in due time I suppose

[RedskinRat]

After his block on the run-back I think we can at least give him 4-5 more games.

I don't think the Special Teams are playing lights out yet either.

[illdefined]

Originally Posted by RedskinRat

After his block on the run-back I think we can at least give him 4-5 more games.

I don't think the Special Teams are playing lights out yet either.

you talkin about Novak?

[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by illdefined

you talkin about Novak?

Er....ah, yes......it's been a confusing start to the week.

At one point I even thought we beat Dallarse in their house on a night they were inducting 3 HOF'ers....and we were 13 - 0 down with less than 4 minutes to go!

I probably just need to lie down.......

[illdefined]

ha i totally understand. i never quite knew why Punter and Kicker are usually separate guys? it's has to be that specialized??

[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by illdefined

ha i totally understand. i never quite knew why Punter and Kicker are usually separate guys? it's has to be that specialized??

Totally agree. In Europe we have a billion people that can kick a ball straight up, with a fade/slice ect playing Rugby (ok, slightly less than a billion) and I never understood why they weren't recruited into the NFL more often.

Has anyone esle seen the kicks in Rugby for the conversions from crazy angles?

[AnonEmouse]

Originally Posted by RedskinRat

Totally agree. In Europe we have a billion people that can kick a ball straight up, with a fade/slice ect playing Rugby (ok, slightly less than a billion) and I never understood why they weren't recruited into the NFL more often.

Has anyone esle seen the kicks in Rugby for the conversions from crazy angles?

1) Rugby kickers generally kick on the full run when aiming for touch. Gives them more power than a virtually standing kick (punt).
2) When going for touch they are doing exactly that. Accuracy is second to distance. Watch a rugby game all the way through and you will see plenty of wayward kicks.
3) When kicking penalties (think FG's) they have all the time in the world (well virtually) to set the ball up, line up the kick and kick the ball. NFL kickers have a limited time to set up (play clock) and about 1 second to make the kick. Not the same environment.
4) Rugby ball is bigger and softer than a football. I know for a fact kicking them is different enough to make a big difference, especially considering the 3 points above.

NFL kickers generally come from a soccer background, even if they haven't kicked all the way through high school and college. Rubgy players have kicked their way from school (12 years old or so) thorugh college and university. Retraining them wouldn't be worth the effort for NFL teams.

Oh, and the last ime I saw a rugby player try to play pro football (London Monarchs Martin Offiah) it was a miserable failure.

[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by AnonEmouse

1) Rugby kickers generally kick on the full run when aiming for touch. Gives them more power than a virtually standing kick (punt).
2) When going for touch they are doing exactly that. Accuracy is second to distance. Watch a rugby game all the way through and you will see plenty of wayward kicks.
3) When kicking penalties (think FG's) they have all the time in the world (well virtually) to set the ball up, line up the kick and kick the ball. NFL kickers have a limited time to set up (play clock) and about 1 second to make the kick. Not the same environment.
4) Rugby ball is bigger and softer than a football. I know for a fact kicking them is different enough to make a big difference, especially considering the 3 points above.

NFL kickers generally come from a soccer background, even if they haven't kicked all the way through high school and college. Rubgy players have kicked their way from school (12 years old or so) thorugh college and university. Retraining them wouldn't be worth the effort for NFL teams.

Oh, and the last ime I saw a rugby player try to play pro football (London Monarchs Martin Offiah) it was a miserable failure.

All good points. How's the weather?