Devil's Advocate - 45th Man

[juck]

He can hold for FGs as well.

 

[AbeBeta]

Remember also the new rule change on kickoffs and punt returns. There can only be 2 guys in a wedge whereas before you had 3 to 5 guys in a wedge before so special teams play is going to change and speed will be essential.

anyone who drafts a kicker to get more speed on ST is really not all that bright. Or, more to the point, thinks he is but isn't.

 

[newlander]

ahhhh....yeah about him playing ST's BESIDES kickoffs....like on the punt team or something...gimme a GD break guys....I've seen his measurables...4.62 40 yd dash, bench 225 lbs 27 times, etc...congrats......he's the meanest, fastest, surliest kicker EVER. He'll still get DESTROYED trying to tangle with STeamers in the NFL guys. Seriously, he'll get mortally wounded....love to have him prove me different, but in the end he's a KICKER.............sad but true.

 

[jchap2k]

I'm all for the KO specialist, even if he can't do anything else besides tackle the kick returner if needed. From the video that I've seen this guy was landing kicks on the back line.. more than 5 yards deep in the endzone and they didn't look like line drives either.

When you look at the Cowboys draft I think they were thinking that their poor special teams performance, especially kick coverage, of last year combined with the new rules for the wedge required them to make a significant investment in ST. When you think about it, it makes great sense that if you can get a touchback even 30% of the time and make them return kicks from the goalline instead of the 10 yard line, it will significantly help your team and your defense. Offensive playcalling is much different at the 20 than it is at the 30 even, never mind the 35 yard line.

Does anyone have the stat on the avg. starting field position of cowboys opponents last year?

I believe that the average was something like our opponents started on the 29.3 yard line. Memory is a bit hazy though so I could be wrong