Redskins Sign K Billy Cundiff, Release Gano

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

FG% numbers are not enough to judge a kicker. The mix of kicking distances plays a role in driving the kicker's overall percentage. Let's analyze Gano vs Cundiff from various distances over the last two seasons combined:

0-19 Yards, both 100% (one attempt each)
20-29 Yards, Cundiff 100% on 20 attempts, Gano 88% on 25 attempts
30-39 Yards, Cudiff 86% on 21 attempts, Gano 56% on 16 attempts
40-49 Yards, Cundiff 82% on 17 attempts, Gano 76% on 25 attempts
50+ Yards, Cundiff 14% on 7 attempts, Gano 44% on 9 attempts

Look at the atrocious performance from Gano from 30-39 yards. Those are FGs you have to make, especially if you're still developing as a Red Zone offense. If you're kicking from 30-39 it means the ball sits at the 13 - 23 yard line. It means your red zone offense stalled, and you desperately need to put those points on the board to atone for the lost TD opportunity in the red zone.

With Cundiff, you know you can't count on a 50 yarder to win the game, but at least you can plan for that. You know your 2 minute offense needs to target the 25 yard line to put the game away safely. With Gano, it almost doesn't matter whether you're trying a 55 yarder or a 35 yarder, he's shaky from both distances. You can't count on him to make it, every time he comes out it's a dice roll.

Stronger leg does not equal better kicker. Give me Cundiff.

Are you factoring in the blocks caused by the OL? That's pretty unfair to judge a kicker by his poor blocking. What are those numbers minus the blocks?

[Mechanix544]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

Are you factoring in the blocks caused by the OL? That's pretty unfair to judge a kicker by his poor blocking. What are those numbers minus the blocks?

He was 50 some percent the last TWO seasons from 30-39 yards. Come on man, dont try to make the block arguement. Ok, lets tack on 10 percent for blocks. Still horrible for that distance.

Lets not forget time and time again booting the ball out of bounds giving the opposing team position at the frikkin 40.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

Are you factoring in the blocks caused by the OL? That's pretty unfair to judge a kicker by his poor blocking. What are those numbers minus the blocks?

At times the blocks were the result of poor protection, but at other times were the result of Gano's low trajectory. Cundiff's higher trajectory will make up for our poor protection up front, he's a better fit for our team.

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

At times the blocks were the result of poor protection, but at other times were the result of Gano's low trajectory. Cundiff's higher trajectory will make up for our poor protection up front, he's a better fit for our team.

The last I recall, only one of those block the past 2 years was due to trajectory (as noted by Mike), and the other ones were simply blocked due to poor OL play. Hell, even the one that mike said had a low trajectory would have still been blocked even if it wasn't low. (from poor OL play)

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

The last I recall, only one of those block the past 2 years was due to trajectory (as noted by Mike), and the other ones were simply blocked due to poor OL play. Hell, even the one that mike said had a low trajectory would have still been blocked even if it wasn't low. (from poor OL play)

those Gano jerseys probably half price now, pick yourself up a couple

:FIREdevil

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

those Gano jerseys probably half price now, pick yourself up a couple

:FIREdevil

:cheeky-sm


Bought 5 already!



Funny as it may, it's not even that I'm a huge Gano supporter, but I just don't like blaming people for things they can't control (blocked kicks) or when the talent they bring in is not really any better. My issues still center around the ST coach.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

:cheeky-sm


Bought 5 already!



Funny as it may, it's not even that I'm a huge Gano supporter, but I just don't like blaming people for things they can't control (blocked kicks) or when the talent they bring in is not really any better. My issues still center around the ST coach.

word, I think Danny has done a decent job...his punt/kick coverages are very solid, I dont think he has had great kickers or punters talent wise to work with in his tenure. Id say he has had below average returners as well. I still think Banks can be special, even after last year. Sav is the best punter we've had in a long time and last year had a really good year.

Cundiff is the right choice in my opinion because of his consistancy within 45 yards. 3 points in our offense is extremely important and we need something we can count on.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

The last I recall, only one of those block the past 2 years was due to trajectory (as noted by Mike), and the other ones were simply blocked due to poor OL play. Hell, even the one that mike said had a low trajectory would have still been blocked even if it wasn't low. (from poor OL play)

Fair point, but irrelevant in my mind. I don't care about judging Gano fairly, I only care about creating a situation that results in no blocked FGs. You can accomplish that best by fixing the protection AND getting a K who kicks with a loftier trajectory. That is of course, ideal.

But fixing the protection is easier said than done when your sturdier linemen are hurt. So I ask you, what's easier, fix the protection or get a K that lofts the ball?

In this case a K that lofts the ball was available, and in the process you gain accuracy from within 50 yards. I'm sure Shanahan is working to fix the special teams protection as well, but it seems to me having our better blockers healthy is the biggest key to that.