mesko released

ctpatsfan77 · Aug 31, 2013

Schmo said:
This. Either I haven't been paying much attention to Mesko, or Allen can actually kick coffin corners. Against the Giants he hit the sidelines at the 7 and 10, and his third was a fair catch close to the sideline around the 14.

Mesko, statistically, was mediocre to bad last season in yards per punt and net yards (28th and 24th, respectively). The thing he was great at was limiting return yards (154 on 60 total punts; 2nd in the league). Like you said (8 yards on 5 punts), Allen looks like he can match that. I think it's a good move, as long as we have a good holder... which is what I'm worried most about.

I just rewatched the Giants game and Mesko was the only holder.

The holding has me nervous.

In any case, punting averages are among the most misleading statistics in sports. It's not like KOs where you have an obvious comparison point (e.g., there's a big difference between punting from your own 20 and your own 49).

And, FWIW, Football Outsiders ranked the Pats' punting team as, on the whole, a net positive for the team (11th overall).

PatsFanStnfrd · Aug 31, 2013

Classy Mesko!

All about economics. That's what happens when u have a veteran punter who wants $2 million/nxt yr. That's a saving of $1.6 million roughly.

BennyBledsoe · Aug 31, 2013

What is it with Belichick and punters? 'Oh hell no, I can't have a punter for more than a few years!'

YearbookCurfew · Aug 31, 2013

WHOA! I did not expect this to happen.

ctpatsfan77 · Aug 31, 2013

PatsFanStnfrd said:
Classy Mesko!

All about economics. That's what happens when u have a veteran punter who wants $2 million/nxt yr from a team that doesn't punt all that much. That's a saving of $1.6 million roughly.

Fixed for accuracy.

ctpatsfan77 · Aug 31, 2013

RhodyPatriot said:
Purely a money move. Sadly the kicker who needed to go is still here.

Well, for better or for worse, Belichick has a much different view of Gostkowski than you do.

Gwedd · Aug 31, 2013

ctpatsfan77 said:
Fixed for accuracy.

I think that this is the core reason. Fewer punts means less time on the field for the punter, which means you really need to justify the salary. Are you, in fact, getting the best return for dollars spent?

As stated earlier, my only concern here is holding abilities. If he's comfortable with that, then it's all good.

I'll miss Mesko, though, on a personal level. His off field activities, and overall high education level were impressive.

Claremonster · Aug 31, 2013

ausbacker said:
Without being a jerk, there's a thread for Patriots players being cut KY. There's no need to start a new one every time a player is cut.

Wrong. This one was a shocker...not just the average cut player.

lurker1965 · Aug 31, 2013

Elijah said:
I think surprising cuts like Mesko and Forston (and Tebow but he wasn't really a surprise) deserve their own threads.

I hope Allen's the real deal. Seemed to be more of a power punter than accurate.

Maybe the holding on Field Goals. Who was holding when Ghost missed?

Wax Frog · Aug 31, 2013

So the Space Emperor has been deposed?

pats4life12 · Aug 31, 2013

What a terriable decision by the patriots...Mesko was way better of a punter then Allan, he is the one who should be cut. bad call on the pats..

PATSYLICIOUS · Aug 31, 2013

Really not liking this. Mesko was an ideal punter, great at getting it inside the 20. Let's hope Allen is the real deal and doesn't become another Chris "touchback" Hanson. This move could look really stupid if Allen doesn't perform.

TyronePoole · Aug 31, 2013

captain stone said:
First thing I noticed is that he didn't mention Bill by name.

as a punter he probably had little interaction with Belichick

Patriot_in_NY · Aug 31, 2013

Whoa.... was out most of the day. Just picking this news up now. Disappointed.

I know why it was done, and it does make business sense (Allen will be a fine punter for us), but Mesco was a personal favorite of mine. I loved the guy. I don't weep for him, as he'll be snatched up quick (if he isn't already), but I think this team losing some of it's character without him.

Best of luck Z, you were a great Patriot.

Ozymandias · Aug 31, 2013

Sad to see Mesko go. His character was second to none. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors, wherever they may lie.

BennyBledsoe · Aug 31, 2013

I will miss making 'ZOLTAN THE PUNTER' jokes. 'Do not trifle with ZOLTAN THE PUNTER!'

Big-T · Aug 31, 2013

I really hope holder isn't an issue now.

Didn't someone say they were alternating holders in pre-season or was that long snappers?

ctpatsfan77 · Aug 31, 2013

Ozymandias said:
Sad to see Mesko go. His character was second to none. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors, wherever they may lie.

Remember during the NFL lockout, he spent time working at an investment firm.

It would not surprise me if, 30 years from now, we're talking about "Patriots owner Zoltan Mesko."

PatsDeb · Aug 31, 2013

This move bummed me out. Relatively speaking we are not saving a ton of money and you are getting rid of a really good player at his position. If his salary was too expensive, why sign him to that contract?

makoute · Aug 31, 2013

PatsDeb said:
This move bummed me out. Relatively speaking we are not saving a ton of money and you are getting rid of a really good player at his position. If his salary was too expensive, why sign him to that contract?

Is it possible the other was just as good, or close enough to Mesko and for less.

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