ESPN MacMahon: Jones hasn't decided whether to cut Folk

[WoodysGirl]

Dec 19
11:51
PM CT

By Tim MacMahon


NEW ORLEANS -- The 24-yard field goal attempt that bounced off the right upright might have been Nick Folk's last kick for the Dallas Cowboys.

"I haven’t really decided. Period," owner/general manager Jerry Jones said. "I just haven’t decided."

The Cowboys had an in-house competition between Folk and kickoff specialist David Buehler last week. But having Buehler kick field goals was never a realistic option, which was apparent when he was wide right on his three attempts at the beginning of Tuesday's practice.

Now that Folk has missed seven of his last 11 attempts, the Cowboys will seriously consider replacing him with a free agent. Jason Elam and Shaun Suisham, both of whom were cut in the last month, are a couple of options.

It seemed like the 44-yarder Folk hit at the end of the first half might have boosted his confidence, but he let the Cowboys down with a chance to seal the win. Jones has to figure out whether he's willing to have that happen against with Folk.

 

[Future]

Jason Elam should be signed before breakfast

 

[ajk23az]

Any way we can put him on the IR? Then have him compete for the job again next year?

 

[COWBOYSNUM1]

Any way we can put him on the IR? Then have him compete for the job again next year?

I hope so. I still think he will turn it around.

 

[Yoshimitsu]

I don't think they should give up on Folk.

 

[dadymat]

serious question.....has there ever been a kicker recover from such a slump?

 

[TheSport78]

Once a kicker loses his confidence, they aren't worth much. Kickers are a dime a dozen. I remember I was at the 2005 draft and Jets fans didn't have a 1st round pick but the hardcore fans waited till the 2nd round only to see them choose a KICKER in Mike Nugent. Until last week, Nugent was on the street without a job. Bottom line, Elam or Suisham can't be any worse than Folk at this point.

 

[ajk23az]

I don't think they should give up on Folk.

If we can put him on the IR and somehow guard from another team picking him up, yes, we shouldn't give up on him this year. But, if we can't, then we have to cut him. We can't trust him to kick a game winner if needed.

 

[Temo]

Elam's arguably been worse than Folk this year. He's made 3 out of 5 from 40-49, 5 out of 8 from 30-39 and missed his one and only 50+ yarder. And he missed a PAT.

 

[ajk23az]

Once a kicker loses his confidence, they aren't worth much. Kickers are a dime a dozen. I remember I was at the 2005 draft and Jets fans didn't have a 1st round pick but the hardcore fans waited till the 2nd round only to see them choose a KICKER in Mike Nugent. Until last week, Nugent was on the street without a job. Bottom line, Elam or Suisham can't be any worse than Folk at this point.

Id rather keep Folk than Suisham. Suisham missed 2 against us that were EASILY make-able and a chip shot game winner vs. the Saints. Hes gawd awful.

 

[TheSport78]

Elam's arguably been worse than Folk this year. He's made 3 out of 5 from 40-49, 5 out of 8 from 30-39 and missed his one and only 50+ yarder.

If those are Elam's stats he can't be worse than Folk at this point, right? When a kicker misses a chip shot 20 something yarder, he needs to be let go.

 

[TheSport78]

Id rather keep Folk than Suisham. He missed 2 against us that were EASILY make-able and a game winner vs. the Saints. Hes gawd awful.

I would sign Suisham JUST for the Washington game because he'll be pumped up for it lol. Remember back in 06' we released Suisham and he kicked the game winner against us @ Washington. Maybe he can return the favor to the deadskins.

 

[InmanRoshi]

The only reason anyone would want to keep Folk is because the other players bailed him out and people feel good after the win and willing to let bygones be bygones. If Saints score on that last drive Folk isn't allowed on the plane home. We're lucky he didn't cost us our season tonight. We probably won't be as lucky in the next two weeks. It shouldnt take flushing your season down the toilet to do what needs to be done. The only thing worse than cutting Folk too early is cutting Folk too late. It would be one thing is Folk brought other assets to the table and was an exceptional kick off guy or something, but he doesn't even do that. He only has one job, and he sucks at that job.

Just because you've heard of Elam and Suisham doesn't mean they're the only guys available. I'm sure there is even a no name out there who can hit a chip shot field goal. Like I said, get one of the guys that kicked in the UFL. They've been in active competition, there shouldn't be any rust. If they were kicking well in that league that means their mechanics are down and they have the hot hand ... that's all that matters when it comes to kicking.

 

[The Panch]

As awful as Folk has been, what he did for two years shouldnt be ignored because of what he's done this year. He was money.



I definitely think we should deactivate him for the season and see what happens in training camp/preseason.

 

[Temo]

Suisham is much better than Elam-- 8/9 from 20-29, 5/6 from 30-39, 5/5 from 40-49, 0/1 from 50+

He also missed a PAT.

 

[Monster Heel]

I would sign Suisham JUST for the Washington game because he'll be pumped up for it lol. Remember back in 06' we released Suisham and he kicked the game winner against us @ Washington. Maybe he can return the favor to the deadskins.

Novak kicked the game winner that day.

 

[TheSport78]

As awful as Folk has been, what he did for two years shouldnt be ignored because of what he's done this year. He was money.



I definitely think we should deactivate him for the season and see what happens in training camp/preseason.

If we can IR him, I'm all for it. But he isn't worth a roster spot at this point. If we can't IR him, he needs to be cut because we can't afford to have him as an inactive when we could have an extra safety, offensive linemen or linebacker active on gameday.

 

[Temo]

If those are Elam's stats he can't be worse than Folk at this point, right? When a kicker misses a chip shot 20 something yarder, he needs to be let go.

Missing 3 FGs from 30-39 yards is worse than missing one chip shot, IMO.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Thank you for the report Coach Jones.

 

[InmanRoshi]

As awful as Folk has been, what he did for two years shouldnt be ignored because of what he's done this year. He was money.

If Mike Vanderjagt, the league's all time most accurate kicker, can be axed after one of these inexplicable kicker funks, Nick Folk easily can too.