What's the deal with Ghost?

[farn]

It is difficult - because I don't want to be alarmist. But a PaT ? Frustrating.

 

[VectorPrime]

It'll be cosmically appropriate if Adam Vinetari's career with the Colts lasts longer than Gost's career with the Patriots.

 

[RobertWeathers]

His mechanics are screwy but the holds are off. Not sure if Allen is goofing up or if its timing issue with Cardona.

Its scary to say that I feel better with him kicking FGs than XPs.

Its like when Steve Sax or Chuck Knoblauch suddenly started double clutching throws to first on routine grounders.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

Could be an injury, if it is we'll never know. He still can kick it far so either in his head or he's hampered by something throwing his mechanics off.

 

[Haterproof]

I wonder what BB is doing behind the scenes to help Gost come from out of this rough patch. I'm not ready to throw the towel in on this man just yet.! He'll eventually get it together

 

[raduray]

Ghostkowski, bringing the thrill to the PAT!

 

[Silver Blue&Red]

There is reason for concern. And he may pull out of it. But the season is on now!!! It's time to play now. I love ghost for what he's done, but this a game of inches. We've won championships on the kickers. It's crazy. Like a light switch. I'm all for holding on to him, but we need insurance.

 

[Wordsmyth]

Neuronet, Ghost shanked an extra point.

 

[AtomicDawg]

From the PostGame thread:

 

[QuantumMechanic]

I wonder what BB is doing behind the scenes to help Gost come from out of this rough patch.

According to Reiss they've done some "more than just the usual maintenance work" on the Gillette turf to make the surface harder.

 

[lurker1965]

For the panicking crowd that wants to under cut him by bringing in another kicker, I hear Josh Brown is available. (No, I'm not serious.)

 

[Canuck]

I was in the Ghost just needs time to work through it camp but even I am starting to really worry now. It's been 6 weeks and I see no sign that he is improving. I didn't see the missed PAT so I have no clue what happened on that one but the one before was slicing right but made it through. Thankfully the Steelers kicker seems to have the same problem as Ghost. I am starting to think that as some suggested, that kicking short on kick-offs has messed with his mechanics. I wonder if kicking short to the right side of the field is making his FG and PAT tries go to the right also.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

For the panicking crowd that wants to under cut him by bringing in another kicker, I hear Josh Brown is available. (No, I'm not serious.)

There's really no one out there better than Ghost so they'll stick by him and do what they can to get him straight.

 

[aluminum seats]

Ghost is struggling so far this year, no question. But for all those who glibly say get rid of him and bring in someone else...take a look at what happened in last nights game. The alternative can be a hell of a lot worse.

Let's stick with the guy who's done a good job for a long time and give him time to pull through this.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

I think it's reasonable to be concerned now. Especially when we're fans of a team that won three SB's by three points, one with 0:00 on the clock and another with 0:04 on the clock and wouldn't even have been in their first if AV hadn't made a 45 yarder in the teeth of a blizzard to tie the "Tuck Game." And, yes there was the miss in the AFCCG last year...

Something's off. With Kickers you never know. Is is physical, like mechanics? Or mental, like yips? Or just age, when some guys, like Brady and Vinatieri, seem to get better with age and others, well, decline?

But whatever it is, I hope that the Patriots and Gostkowski get it sorted out sooner rather than later.

Doesn't help my mood that Vinatieri made his 43rd consecutive FG yesterday.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Ghost is struggling so far this year, no question. But for all those who glibly say get rid of him and bring in someone else...take a look at what happened in last nights game. The alternative can be a hell of a lot worse.

Let's stick with the guy who's done a good job for a long time and give him time to pull through this.

I don't think there's any other choice until the off season. Fingers and toes crossed. Garlic around neck. Whatever works.

 

[RobertWeathers]

From the PostGame thread:

Being average and human is unacceptable.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

Being average and human is unacceptable.

In all fairness, Ghost is the highest paid kicker in the NFL. He gets paid to be the best

 

[RobertWeathers]

In all fairness, Ghost is the highest paid kicker in the NFL. He gets paid to be the best

100% agree. We all know that with this team if you aren't performing up to your contract, you will not survive long.

 

[patsbrasilpatriotas]

6.8kk in dead money hes not going anywhere ... Lets pray