New Orleans Saints give boot to kickers
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Bill Jempty | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 |
I can’t recall a team ever releasing both punter and placekicker in mid-season. From AP-
METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Saints have released kicker Taylor Mehlhaff and punter Ben Graham, leaving the team to spend its bye week trying to fill each position for a third time this season.
Team officials confirmed the cuts Tuesday night, hours after head coach Sean Payton had met with reporters. Payton had not indicated that any roster moves were planned.
Mehlhaff, who the Saints drafted last spring but cut after training camp, was brought back to replace injured kicker Martin Gramatica in Week 6. In three games since, Mehlhaff was 3-of-4 on field goals and 9-of-10 on extra points.
He missed an extra point in last Sunday’s 37-32 victory in London over the San Diego Chargers.
The Saints have had five different kickers on their active roster during the past three seasons, the other being Olindo Mare, Billy Cundiff and John Carney.
Carney, now 44, has been kicking for the New York Giants this season.
Graham replaced Steve Weatherford, who was cut after the Saints’ loss to Carolina on Oct. 19. Graham’s only appearance for the Saints came last Sunday in London. He punted three times, averaging 42 yards.
As the article notes, kickers can play in the NFL for a long time. The Saints should bring in 3 or 4 placekickers and punters each and see who best fits their needs. This old HS kicker won’t be trying out. Maybe NFL bust John Lee finally learned how to kick without a tee and try a comeback.
The Lee remark is a joke. He last played in the NFL in 1986.
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- Clipping their wings- Florida Panthers beat Detroit 2-1
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- Backup power- Miami Dolphins beat Carolina Panthers 24-17
- Steve Elling of CBS Sports is jealous
- Detroit Lions put two defensive backs on Injured Reserve
- The Dirty Dozen- Milwaukee Bucks beat New Jersey 99-85
- Outdueled- Florida Panthers beat Buffalo 6-2
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