The Power of Zoltan

[tombonneau]

Talk to me about Zoltan. I didn't see any of his punts but he had a 45.0 yard average or something, right? Didn't see the punt but heard on the radio he was standing at about our own 5 and the Saints end up with their ball on their 30? Was that right? Pats have never had this kind of field position weapon in BB's tenure and IMO he could be huge. It's punts like that that can be the difference between a W and a L in a close game.

 

[Patspsycho]

Talk to me about Zoltan. I didn't see any of his punts but he had a 45.0 yard average or something, right? Didn't see the punt but heard on the radio he was standing at about our own 5 and the Saints end up with their ball on their 30? Was that right? Pats have never had this kind of field position weapon in BB's tenure and IMO he could be huge. It's punts like that that can be the difference between a W and a L in a close game.

43.4 with a long of 52, but the best thing IMHO was the serious hang time, that allowed our gunners to be at least within 10 yards of the PR every time the ball was kicked.

 

[BennyBledsoe]

I wonder if we should ring up Michigan to see if they have any leftover 'Zoltan For Space Emperor' shirts?

 

[tombonneau]

Good to hear about the hangtime as well. I'm just happy that given his up-and-down camp that he was able to deliver under the lights. Hopefully this bodes well for his nerves.

 

[Metaphors]

4-8-NE 44 (1:42) Z.Mesko punts 40 yards to NO 16, Center-J.Ingram, fair catch by L.Moore.

Good hangtime. Solid but not spectacular.

4-18-NE 20 (8:50) Z.Mesko punts 50 yards to NO 30, Center-J.Ingram. L.Beavers to NO 32 for 2 yards (M.Murrell, D.McCourty).

Here is your field position change. Great hangtime for that distance and good job by the coverage team.

4-15-NO 43 (3:42) Z.Mesko punts 33 yards to NO 10, Center-J.Ingram, downed by NE-D.Jenkins.

Ball hit inside the 10 and spun back. If he can get the ball to do that consistently, it will be a huge help for the defense.

4-10-NE 36 (13:07) Z.Mesko punts 52 yards to NO 12, Center-J.Ingram, downed by NE-J.Ingram.

Not his best effort but got a generous roll.

4-9-NE 30 (9:26) Z.Mesko punts 44 yards to NO 26, Center-J.Ingram. L.Beavers MUFFS catch, and recovers at NO 30.

Another nice one. The coverage team was all around the receiver and Wheatley almost came up with the ball.

So 3 very nice, one effective and one not-so-hot with a good end result. Not sure how you could ask for more. Mesko just needs to maintain that effort and he instantly improves the situation for both the offense and defense.

 

[eom]

I don't expect to see him used this year, so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[tombonneau]

If he is consistent, like he was last night, it is a big weapon.

I would like to see how he performs in a way we haven't seen in Pats punters.

If he is punting from, say, the opponents 30-45 yard line, can he kick them to the sideline and go out of bounds, say, inside the 10 yard line.

On way too many occasions in recent years, our punters have kicked those straight down the field and into the end zone for a net gain of maybe 20 yards.

Ah. You must be talking about Chris Hansen, or as I liked to call him: "Touchback."

 

[Zeus]

4-8-NE 44 (1:42) Z.Mesko punts 40 yards to NO 16, Center-J.Ingram, fair catch by L.Moore.

Good hangtime. Solid but not spectacular.

4-18-NE 20 (8:50) Z.Mesko punts 50 yards to NO 30, Center-J.Ingram. L.Beavers to NO 32 for 2 yards (M.Murrell, D.McCourty).

Here is your field position change. Great hangtime for that distance and good job by the coverage team.

4-15-NO 43 (3:42) Z.Mesko punts 33 yards to NO 10, Center-J.Ingram, downed by NE-D.Jenkins.

Ball hit inside the 10 and spun back. If he can get the ball to do that consistently, it will be a huge help for the defense.

4-10-NE 36 (13:07) Z.Mesko punts 52 yards to NO 12, Center-J.Ingram, downed by NE-J.Ingram.

Not his best effort but got a generous roll.

4-9-NE 30 (9:26) Z.Mesko punts 44 yards to NO 26, Center-J.Ingram. L.Beavers MUFFS catch, and recovers at NO 30.

Another nice one. The coverage team was all around the receiver and Wheatley almost came up with the ball.

So 3 very nice, one effective and one not-so-hot with a good end result. Not sure how you could ask for more. Mesko just needs to maintain that effort and he instantly improves the situation for both the offense and defense.

Nice summary. Five punts, only one returned for 2 yards. We'll take that anytime.

The big question is how will he kick in tough weather conditions during the second half of the season.

 

[Gwedd]

Nice summary. Five punts, only one returned for 2 yards. We'll take that anytime.

The big question is how will he kick in tough weather conditions during the second half of the season.

I think the kid will do fine. It's a big transition from College to the NFL, no matter the position, and I think that a lot of his problems in TC were due to butterflies more than anything else. This game was great for his confidence, and the team's confidence. That alone will stand him well in the coming season.

 

[tombonneau]

Yeah, you are right. He needs to sit on the bench for, at least, one full season to get the feel of NFL football. Nothing like a long study period to make things work. And what the hell, Brady could punt for this year anyway.

I believe his inference was that the offense would be so good that his services would not be needed.

WHOOSH!

 

[Deus Irae]

 

[Calciumee]

Something I noticed on his first punt, was he followed it up well! He was about 5-10 yards away from the tackle! Means that he seems happy to do some dirty work if needed!

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I'll echo the hang time kudos, his back spin on the one kick was sweet too. I'd like to see him get the punt off a bit faster, but overall not bad. I think his best years are ahead, BB seems prepared to let him use this season for development.

 

[Deus Irae]

I'll echo the hang time kudos, his back spin on the one kick was sweet too. I'd like to see him get the punt off a bit faster, but overall not bad. I think his best years are ahead, BB seems prepared to let him use this season for development.

WB Box...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

WB Box...

Alive, but much too busy - I may unretire and go back to work so I can get some free time.

 

[Deus Irae]

Alive, but much too busy - I may unretire and go back to work so I can get some free time.

Well, it's good to have you back. I hope the family is well, and I look forward to agreeing and disagreeing with you for yet another year.

 

[TB146]

All Hail Space Emperor Zoltan (of Space)!!

He had a cult following at Michigan. If that translates to New England, do you think there will be groups of fans in the stands with aluminum foil on their heads and other spacey get-up (like Johnny Damon's disciples with their fake beards and long hair)?

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I just don't understand why we let Hansen hang around for 3 years when he more than likely could have been upgraded by using a 5th or 6th rounder. P can be such an underrated impact in any game.

Zoltan was great last night, his first game had 3 I20's. Hansen did that twice in 3 full seasons.

 

[eagle eye]

He really does boom the ball, the hang time is as good as it gets. I liked his punting a lot last night.

The one thing I noticed that I was a bit concerned about was how close they got to him before he got the kick off. Just wondering if anybody else noticed that.

 

[WhiZa]

I could care less about the yardage. The fact there were only 2 return yards on 5 punts is huge. Especially with the way our ST was playing.