The JoeSixPat Review of the Kicking competition - New England Patriots Forums

JoeSixPat · 08-12-2006, 11:28 AM

Seems that thus far the kicking competition is pretty close between Gostkowski and Gramatica

It may be that Gramatica has fewer pre-season misses and certainly has the experience edge... but Gostowski seems to have better range

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

All things being equal, do you keep Gostowski or Gramatica?

I'd lean towards Gostowski, given his range and strength - I try not to let the fact that we used a 4th round pick on him factor into my decision.

I'd lean towards cutting Gramatica at the end of camp, hoping he's available if we need him later in the season. I don't suppose they could do the unthinkable and keep them both on the roster, could they?

PATRIOTS-80 · 08-12-2006, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSixPat

Seems that thus far the kicking competition is pretty close between Gostkowski and Gramatica

It may be that Gramatica has fewer pre-season misses and certainly has the experience edge... but Gostowski seems to have better range

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

All things being equal, do you keep Gostowski or Gramatica?

I'd lean towards Gostowski, given his range and strength - I try not to let the fact that we used a 4th round pick on him factor into my decision.

I'd lean towards cutting Gramatica at the end of camp, hoping he's available if we need him later in the season. I don't suppose they could do the unthinkable and keep them both on the roster, could they?

Well, Cassell played the whole game. The other 2 QB didn't even get a snap in a freakin' preseason game. If we substitute the 3rd QB on the roster for a Gostowski as KO specialist ... why not. Gives BB flexibility in case deep in the season one of them goes off the deep end.

stcjones · 08-12-2006, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSixPat

Seems that thus far the kicking competition is pretty close between Gostkowski and Gramatica

It may be that Gramatica has fewer pre-season misses and certainly has the experience edge... but Gostowski seems to have better range

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

All things being equal, do you keep Gostowski or Gramatica?

I'd lean towards Gostowski, given his range and strength - I try not to let the fact that we used a 4th round pick on him factor into my decision.

I'd lean towards cutting Gramatica at the end of camp, hoping he's available if we need him later in the season. I don't suppose they could do the unthinkable and keep them both on the roster, could they?

*Sigh* If every one else has an opinion...I suppose you deserve one too...,

It seemed to me actually that Grammatica was kicking deeper on the kickoffs than Gostkowski...and kicked his 2 fg's right down the middle, while Gostkowski barely clipped his in there (plenty of distance just tight) Anyways,..I think it is WAY too early to tell who we keep.....let them work through the rest of the preseason....and you will have your answer.....one man's opinion.....

scott99 · 08-12-2006, 11:42 AM

I'd be all for keeping Gostkoski as the kickoff specialist, he seemed to reach the end zone on almost every kickoff. Showed a very strong leg. Gramattica kicked very well, did a good job on both field goals. Keep both guys, and if Gramattica falters, the kid gets the job.

Alk · 08-12-2006, 11:54 AM

If I had to choose just one kicker based on last night it would be Gramatica no question. I don't care of Gostowski's kickoffs went into the endzone. His one FG attempt looked downright horrible. On top of that, Gramatica kind of reminded me of Vinatieri out there. After every kick he was hugging just about any player he could find. No crazy celebrations or anything like that, just telling the rest of his teammates thanks. I liked that.

Murphys95 · 08-12-2006, 12:15 PM

If there were 3 players that received an extended evaluation last night, I'd say they were Cassell, Gramatica, and Gostkowski. I cannot help but think they are all tied in together based on roster spots. At this point BB may realize that signing a veteran QB won't do any more good now than it would later in the season (see: learning curve). Bramlet and/or Mortensen can land on the practice squad providing the same insurance in case of emergency. This leaves open the possibility of the BB retaining two kickers and two quarterbacks.

Coach has 'til September 2nd to play all of this out; I wouldn't put it past him to cut either kicker; and I wouldn't be surprised to see him keep them both.

***mgteich*** · 08-12-2006, 12:25 PM

what he said!

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskeralk

If I had to choose just one kicker based on last night it would be Gramatica no question. I don't care of Gostowski's kickoffs went into the endzone. His one FG attempt looked downright horrible. On top of that, Gramatica kind of reminded me of Vinatieri out there. After every kick he was hugging just about any player he could find. No crazy celebrations or anything like that, just telling the rest of his teammates thanks. I liked that.

***PatsDeb*** · 08-12-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabthepat

If we can't keep both then I say Gramatica because of his experience. Did it seem as though Gramatica got a little over excited after making that first FG?

If you are going to keep Gramatica over Gostkowski, what about stowing Gostkowski on the practice squad? Can't be worse than cutting him outright. I still think keeping the youngster is the way to go.

***PATSNUTme*** · 08-12-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsDeb

If you are going to keep Gramatica over Gostkowski, what about stowing Gostkowski on the practice squad? Can't be worse than cutting him outright. I still think keeping the youngster is the way to go.

Berfore we can put him on the PS, we have to cut him and every other team gets a shot to sign him to their 53 man roster.

Just the way it works.

***MoLewisrocks*** · 08-12-2006, 12:36 PM

Unfortunately last night didn't provide a whole lot of insight on our competition, just Atlanta's...

FG's of 34, 30 and 23 in a dome aren't much of a test. Neither are KO's into the endzone in a dome. Not for AFCE kickers. I really don't think we'll know enough about either of these two to make a rational decision before December. So unless one of them really distances himself from the other or one seriously spits the bit, I think we carry both. If Dramatica looked like a push and we cut him, he'd be grabbed up in an hour. Ditto Gostkowski if we tried to stash him on the PS.