Mosley Blog - McBriar Struggling With Holds

[DandyDon1722]

You cannot just switch to a rookie holder mid-season, someone who has never handled the job.

The only switch that makes sense at this point is back to Romo. Yes, he fumbled in the Seattle game, but that was his only mistake.

Otherwise, just have McBriar practice this week until his hands fall off.

Bob, I have to respectfully disagree. It's not a physical thing with McBriar, it's clearly mental. The actual physical motion of catching the ball, placing it down and spinning the laces is not a big deal.

This problem of catching the ball out in front and placing it down is the problem. He can't wait for the ball.

See Steve Sax throwing from second base to first or Mackey Sassar who as a catcher couldn't throw the ball back to the pitcher.

Or the best example of all...Charles Barkley's golf swing.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

You cannot just switch to a rookie holder mid-season, someone who has never handled the job.

Why?

Oh, because we might miss a few field goals.

Yeah, we're doing that now, anyway.

Thats like a fat person saying "I refuse to start a diet. I might not lose weight."

 

[JBond]

This story must be false, because I have read from multiple fans that the holding is not the problem. Come on guys, you know who you are. Teach me some more about kicking. Where are the morons that want to cut Folk?

 

[Faerluna]

I've seen Romo's name thrown out as a dark horse to return to that role.

I would totally be ok with this. I bet McBriar and Folk would, too.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

I would totally be ok with this. I bet McBriar and Folk would, too.

Did you pop your bubble gum while typing "totally?"

Like OMG!!!

 

[utrunner07]

1) Crayton - "Best Hands" and gives u the option to fake.

This is the answer, IMO. For the reason you stated. Either him or tony.

 

[Faerluna]

Did you pop your bubble gum while typing "totally?"

Like OMG!!!

Fer shur?

 

[Phoenix]

Heck, cut a scrub and sign a place-holding specialist

 

[Funxva]

I'm fairly sure it is simply because of the fact that he is a punter, and they reach out to grab the ball, it's muscle memory at this point in time.

 

[twentytwo]

We could also do like I used to do on Madden... go for it every fourth down.

This has my vote.

Also, no more extra points. Go for 2 baby!

 

[dbair1967]

Interesting...

NFC East Watch - Mosley


Cowboys punter/holder Mat McBriar and place-kicker Nick Folk are close friends. Folk made the trip to McBriar's wedding in Hawaii two summers ago and the two of them are inseparable on and off the practice field.

But as ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins points out, Folk and McBriar don't appear to be on the same page right now when it comes to preparing to kick a field goal. Folk has been highly frustrated with the holds that McBriar has been giving him as he's gone 4-of-9 this season, but Sunday was the first time the kicker showed outward frustration.

McBriar's never felt comfortable holding, but that's the direction special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis wanted to go.

"I've always worked with [Folk] even when Brad [Johnson] was here in practice," McBriar said. "Some reason, we get in the games and I get a little bit ahead of myself and I lunge out to catch the ball, which I shouldn't. Every time I should catch the ball over the spot, and I move forward. It's something in my brain, I don't know."

That's not what you want to hear from your holder. So why don't the Cowboys let Jon Kitna have a try? I can't answer that. I also think wide receiver Patrick Crayton, a former quarterback, would do a nice job.

This is impossible, CZ experts says Folk sux and we should cut him. There is nothing wrong with the holds, per these experts.

 

[dbair1967]

But if McBriar is removed, who can Folk blame then?

this is b/s

if the guy had never done anything, you might have a point...but the guy's been one of the top 3 or 4 kickers in football his first two yrs in the league

 

[JBond]

This is impossible, CZ experts says Folk sux and we should cut him. There is nothing wrong with the holds, per these experts.

The cut folk crowd owes an apology! They were dead wrong. Come on boys and girls, come get a slice of humble pie.

 

[Dodger]

But if McBriar is removed, who can Folk blame then?

What?

Didn't you read this? McBriar is blaming himself. The words are coming from McBriar, not Folk.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I would totally be ok with this. I bet McBriar and Folk would, too.

But would Romo?

 

[Hostile]

So if McBriar is "lunging" forward to get the ball it means that his spot is too far forward which would cause Folk's kicks to sail left.

I know the last miss was left, but I haven't really paid attention to the rest of them. Are Folk's misses hooking left?

Even with laces out, if the ball is too far forward simple physics would tell you Folk is making contact too late to drive it straight.

 

[DMX690]

Just let Romo be the holder i remember his last attempt :

 

[JBond]

So if McBriar is "lunging" forward to get the ball it means that his spot is too far forward which would cause Folk's kicks to sail left.

I know the last miss was left, but I haven't really paid attention to the rest of them. Are Folk's misses hooking left?

Even with laces out, if the ball is too far forward simple physics would tell you Folk is making contact too late to drive it straight.

yes he has been missing left. Also he is off balance when he strikes the ball because he is having to adjust in mid kick. A couple of times I thought he was going to fall over after the kick. It has looked odd for several games now. I thought he may have had a groin injury, but now we all know better.

It is hard to tell from TV but his lead foot appears to be off line sometimes. you want your lead foot to point right between the goal posts. If it is angled left or right that is the direction the ball will go.

In high school I was a very good soccer player and the football coach asked me to work with the kicker. I ended up on the football team and gave up soccer.

 

[Faerluna]

But would Romo?

I think Romo would do anything if it meant helping the team.

 

[Hoofbite]

I doubt its something as easily correctable as a lunge.

If it was all about McBriar staying back, I don't think we'd still be seeing shankapotamus.