BelichickFan

I've never seriously thought Gramatica had much of a chance since the draft but I'm starting to wonder a little now :

http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...p_back/?page=2

"Accuracy counts
Kicker Martin Gramatica was exceptional, not missing a kick before the close of practice, with all of his makes being virtually dead center, as he kicked to the east on the Patriots' practice field.

Stephen Gostkowski was 4 for 4 when it counted as well, though he misfired to the right on one kick that came after the whistle had blown to stop the play. Three of his kicks tailed to the right, though the ball squeezed inside the upright each time. The other was a low liner that managed to make it over the crossbar."

The preseason FG attempts are looming very large all of a sudden.

Box_O_Rocks

Same report, different day - this is why we had the cheery discussion the other day about which kicker would make the roster. I want to hang on to Gostkowski somehow, but I think Gramatica gives the Pats the best opportunity for 2006.

I believe mgcolby was setting up a fundraiser to send Martin to a celebration class at the Chad Johnson academy.

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BelichickFan

Well every day that goes by with the same result gives us a bigger sample size to acknowledge the possibility. Actually, this is the first report I've read that says Gramatica's kicks were more down the middle - many of the others had them both doing very well.

Box_O_Rocks

True, the reports describe them both as doing well, and gush about Gostkowski's leg - but I keep seeing the descriptor "consistent" applied to Gramatica. Whether you like his post kick celebrations or not, an "automatica" isn't necessarily a bad thing to have around in the kicking game - I just want to find a way to keep Gostkowski's rights and develop him into a down the middle guy.

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Murphys95

A buddy of mine has been saying for months that he believes Belichick will carry two kickers this fall. Not sure if I agree with him yet. On the same note, I don't see Gostkowski landing on the practice squad - I see him being scooped up by another team if he is waived.

Bobs My Uncle

Don't be surprised to see both kickers retained. The new kid for kickoffs and extra points and the vet to kick FG's.

sieglo

Sounds nuts to me.

My bet is on Gostkowski, who, while slightly less accurate, has more power and a lot more youth.

Grammatica's good performance in camp will land him on another team.

BelichickFan

2nd kicker at the expense of the 3rd QB - I'm good with that. Keep one of the kid QB on the PS. The chance of both Brady and Cassel getting hurt in the same game is small. And having two kickers will allow Belichick to go with the hot leg, keep the vet, keep the rookie upside and keep the pressure on them during practice.

Slagathor

I can see us potentially carrying 2 kickers into the season.

I think the the braintrust got sick of seeing Vinatieri's kickoffs being received at the 10 WAY too many times. Gostkowski eliminates that issue immediately.

Gramatica is one of these guys who tends to implode by his own hand, and when you take a kicker in the 4th round, you're not gonna squander him.

Gramatica though provides short term insurance.

I'm a little bit enamoured with Gostkowski since I saw him on that ESPN college kicker challenge. I was shocked when we got him the draft.

Bostonian1962

You and me Bofe!