IronMan
  • IronMan
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
16 years ago
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What is it about Green Bay Packers general managers and their boneheaded decisions regarding punters?

Ron Wolf allowed Craig Hentrich, one of the best punters in the NFL, to get away in free agency in 1998.

Mike Sherman wasted third- and fifth-round draft choices on B.J. Sander in 2004.

Ted Thompson booted Jon Ryan from the roster on Sept. 1 and replaced him with Derrick Frost.

These were ill-advised moves that haunt the team to this day.

Wolf didnt want to pay Hentrich what he was worth, so the punter signed with Tennessee, proceeded to perform at a Pro Bowl level and is playing a decade later. To his credit, Wolf later admitted the Hentrich decision was a big mistake.

Had Wolf valued the punting position a little more, Hentrich might still be in Green Bay and future blunders by Sherman and Thompson could have been avoided.

Its bad enough Sherman squandered a third-round draft choice to select Sander, who wasnt rated nearly that high. But Sherman inexplicably traded up to get him, meaning he flushed a fifth-round draft choice down the drain in the process.

Sander was a bust, spending one season languishing on the inactive list before suffering through a forgettable 14-game career (39.2 gross average, 33.9 net) in 2005.

Thompson seemingly rescued the Packers from their punting woes when he signed Ryan as a free agent out of the Canadian Football League in March 2006.

Ryan came to Green Bay with a big leg and became a top-10 punter in the NFL with gross averages of 44.5 yards in 2006 and 44.4 in 2007. His net average last year of 37.6 was the best by a Packers punter in 38 years.

How was Ryan rewarded for his two solid years of service? The Packers kicked him to the curb because they thought they could do better. They believed Frost, a Washington Redskins castoff, was more consistent and better at directional punting and delivery times.

It sounded good in theory, but it was a classic case of the Packers out-thinking themselves. Common sense went out the window as the Packers chose not to value Ryans stronger leg, greater potential and better overall averages. Here was a guy capable of booming the ball all over the yard, yet the Packers didnt appreciate what they had.

Jon was a true pro, a very talented punter. Had a positive experience with him here, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Monday when he announced the release of Frost.

So, what was McCarthy thinking when the Packers gave Ryan the ax?

What about special teams coach Mike Stock, who was so enamored of Frost that he lost sight of a quality punter right in front of his nose?

Ryan signed with the Seahawks and has outperformed Frost. Ryan ranks ninth in the NFL in gross average (46.4); Frost is 26th (42.1). Ryans net average is 2.4 yards better than Frosts. Ryan has recorded punts of 59 yards or longer in eight of his last nine games. Frost had a single kick that carried 59 yards in his last nine games, and he struggled in the punter-friendly Metrodome and Superdome.

Frost played a role in the Packers field-position problems, which have contributed to the teams disappointing 5-7 record. Good things rarely happen when your opponent is handed the ball near midfield following punts.

Frost was so unproductive that the Packers preferred to take their chances with a punter off the street rather than endure the likely prospect of four more games of bad field position.

When asked Tuesday whether he regretted cutting Ryan, Thompson said: I said all along, we love Jon Ryan, (hes) one of the best people weve ever been around.

We were looking for more consistency and we thought we would get it from Derrick and we just didnt get that.

Thompsons attempt to improve his team blew up in his face. If its any consolation, hes not the only Packers general manager to screw up on a punter

Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.

bozz_2006
16 years ago
i thought it was Aaron Rodgers fault... ?
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shield4life
16 years ago
Use our first rounder !!!
Glad To Be A Packers Fan.
Rockmolder
16 years ago

Use our first rounder !!!

"krazygangsta" wrote:



It has been done before, by none other than the wacky Al Davis.

The Draft seems to be our only option atm though, or there should be more teams that don't lock their good punter up. I never get why you would release a good punter with the small amount of money they usually earn.

The Vikings did a good job on that one. They got a solid punter and tied him up till 2013.
Pack93z
16 years ago
A bird in the bush, apparently is better than two in the fist.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
bozz_2006
16 years ago

Use our first rounder !!!

"Rockmolder" wrote:



It has been done before, by none other than the wacky Al Davis.

"krazygangsta" wrote:



I hate to quibble... who the hell am I kidding? I love to quibble. Davis drafted Sebastian (Kick his ass, Sea Bass!) Janikowski in round 1. place kicker, not a punter.
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Packnic
16 years ago
i definetly think the Frost case was one of the Packers outthinking themselves. Mike Stock decided to get cute... and it bit him.
blank
Rockmolder
16 years ago

Use our first rounder !!!

"bozz_2006" wrote:



It has been done before, by none other than the wacky Al Davis.

"Rockmolder" wrote:



I hate to quibble... who the hell am I kidding? I love to quibble. Davis drafted Sebastian (Kick his ass, Sea Bass!) Janikowski in round 1. place kicker, not a punter.

"krazygangsta" wrote:



I meant Ray Guy actually ^^. (Have been 5 first round Kickers if I'm correct, he's the only punter)

And ye, he drafted both a punter and a kicker in the first round. Gotta love that man. I see what he sees in those guys, but seriously, do you have to give up a first rounder for a strong leg?

On topic though, I wouldn't mind it if Ted Thompson used a somewhat high draft pick (3/4) on a punter, if he's worth it.
bozz_2006
16 years ago
Boom!
UserPostedImage
Pack93z
16 years ago


On topic though, I wouldn't mind it if Ted Thompson used a somewhat high draft pick (3/4) on a punter, if he's worth it.

"Rockmolder" wrote:



And if you deem him worth it on his talent, don't draft him and then try to change his mechanics.. that there is the hidden part of BJ Sanders flaming out..
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
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