The JoeSixPat Review of the Kicking competition

[PatsDeb]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

teams including the pats have been known to "stash" players. if they want to keep him, they will invent and injury and put him on IR

That won't help us if Gramatica goes down. At least if we put him on the practice squad he might be available if we need him. I understand he could be signed by another team at any time on the PS, but if you just cut him he has the same chance of being available, but you won't have had the luxury of controlling his development. I can't believe BB will use two roster spots for kickers, but he's nothing if unpredictable.

 

[patchick]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

i start to think both could make the team

Gostkowksi for kick-offs + long fg (approx 45-50 yards) and Gramatica for the fg till middle distance (till 45)

If you can average 5 yards better field position on every kickoff doing this, isn't that a pretty significant impact compared to most end-of-the-roster position players? I think the harder decision might be activating both every game.

 

[Alk]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

God help us.

Why? Although it's early, he sure looked like the better kicker. Sure, wasting a fourth round pick hurts but this front office isn't going to keep a kicker just because he cost a draft pick if he clearly isn't the better kicker.

 

[Alk]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

i start to think both could make the team

Gostkowksi for kick-offs + long fg (approx 45-50 yards) and Gramatica for the fg till middle distance (till 45)

let's see...

The way Cassel looked, I have to disagree. I would rather have three qbs on the roster than two kickers.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

Why? Although it's early, he sure looked like the better kicker. Sure, wasting a fourth round pick hurts but this front office isn't going to keep a kicker just because he cost a draft pick if he clearly isn't the better kicker.

Didn't the Pats keep four quarterbacks on the roster a few years ago?

If they think he's got (the makings of) "it," Gostkowski will stay on the roster.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

The way Cassel looked, I have to disagree. I would rather have three qbs on the roster than two kickers.

What QB is there to pick up ? The only one who's any good is Kerry Collins and I think I heard he wants to play in the South or retire. Cassel may end up being a poor backup, we'll see, but there's no point having an even worse #3 QB just to have him. If he's worse than Cassel, what's the point ?

 

[jaychamp]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

What QB is there to pick up ?

The Pats were looking at Vinny Testeverde(sp?)

 

[stcjones]

Gramatica has a brother who played for the Cardinals, who did the famous dancing.

Our Gramatica was a pro-bowl kicker with a strong leg. Yes, he got injuried a couple years ago. Hopefully, he is back.

I've not had a moment's worry about the kicker position since they signed Gramatica.

Some people are determined not to like this guy or show him any respect, and that is unfortunate.

Great thread, Joe6pack, maybe you could start a thread on Deion Branch's current status, or whether Pass will make the team now that we have Cobbs![/QUOTE

I definitely agree with you here......I think that Grammatica may end up being a steal when it is all said and done.......I still remember the guy as a pro bowl kicker that helped the Bucs win the SB........we shall see

 

[JR4]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

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.

"youngster" is the key word to me.
ability is about the same ... no big difference so far.
Gostkowski is 8 yrs younger. Gramatica will be 31 in November.

Gramatica has had health problems. As he gets older it may start to effect
him again. So say you get 2 or 3 good years.
Gostkowski got perphaps 10 years or better.
I can't see how age is not a factor in this close race.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

I can't see how age is not a factor in this close race.

When he's lining up for a game tying FG, I'm not going to care how old the guy is

 

[mgteich]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

You you aren't going to be concerned whether the kicker will kick as well in 2008? You want to focus on kicking in 2006? What a strange approach!

When he's lining up for a game tying FG, I'm not going to care how old the guy is

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

You you aren't going to be concerned whether the kicker will kick as well in 2008? You want to focus on kicking in 2006? What a strange approach!

I'm not sure I would have felt that way on Friday morning but as we moved into range for a tying FG range I got a dose of reality realizing that while it was only preseason, that scenario WILL happen in the regular season and maybe the playoffs.

 

[mgteich]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

There are no 10 year contracts in the NFL. Let's focus on 2006-2008! I much prefer 2-3 good years from a solid veteran than four maybe years from a rookie.

"youngster" is the key word to me.
ability is about the same ... no big difference so far.
Gostkowski is 8 yrs younger. Gramatica will be 31 in November.

Gramatica has had health problems. As he gets older it may start to effect
him again. So say you get 2 or 3 good years.
Gostkowski got perphaps 10 years or better.
I can't see how age is not a factor in this close race.

 

[zoostation]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

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?

He used to dance after making them while with the Bucs. If I'm not mistaking he was injured doing a jig after a meaningless FG.

 

[patchick]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

He used to dance after making them while with the Bucs. If I'm not mistaking he was injured doing a jig after a meaningless FG.

Actually, you are mistaken. It seems much of Martin's bad rep here comes from constant confusion with his brother Bill. I'm sure Eli Manning can sympathize.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

Zoostation: You ARE MISTAKEN. It was his brother with the Cardinals that hurt his leg jumping up and down.

I don't give a flying f*ck if he wants to celebrate a field goal as long as he makes it.

What we have here is a small group of supposed Pats fans who want to show disrespect to our new kicker and call him silly little names. It's getting old. I hope that you guys can grow up!

 

[AzPatsFan]

Re: Opinions on the Kicking competition

The way Cassel looked, I have to disagree. I would rather have three qbs on the roster than two kickers.

Huskeralk,

I thought I'd just offer a friendly jibe, as I think you're usually spot on.


What did Matt Cassel do as a QB that makes you think any backup QB, that is available, is any better?

Or even as good?

Is it the 93.3 QB rating ?

Is it the 229 yards passing, with out the play of Troy or Deon or Chad at all, since none played?

Is it the outrageous number of INTs that he threw? Zero, I believe.

Is it the inability to lead his team and to throw TDs? One, I believe.

Is it the inability to score? Twenty points should win most games if the Defense is playing well.

Is it the inability to come back in the 4th Quarter which he did?

Waiting...

Still waiting...

Still waiting...



OTOH, I thought BOTH kickers demonstrated competence...