Ryan Allen, Solid but Aware

[Longdog]

Nice article about former Louisiana Tech punter, Ryan Allen, now "in solid" in his second-year at New England as the "only" punter in the Patriots camp but aware that "it doesn't mean his job is safe."

Ryan Hannable gives a good overview of the confidence the Patriots have in what he calls "the two most cutthroat [positions] in the game, punter and kicker, and how they view their positions.

Read "WSKI, RYAN ALLEN GIVE PATRIOTS STABILITY ON SPECIAL TEAMS" at http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/...special-teams/

[HogDawg]

Ryan Allen has nothing to worry about. If for some reason he were to get cut from the Patriots roster, several teams would be lined up to sign him within the next 5 min.

[Cool Hand Clyde]

Ryan Allen has nothing to worry about. If for some reason he were to get cut from the Patriots roster, several teams would be lined up to sign him within the next 5 min.

He replaced an all-pro punter who was due a salary increase. With that type of player management, I bet we never see another punter in the hall of fame.

[HogDawg]

He replaced an all-pro punter who was due a salary increase. With that type of player management, I bet we never see another punter in the hall of fame.

The problem is, most NFL teams believe punters are a "dime a dozen". And they are probably right. While Ryan Allen certainly holds a special place in all our hearts, the fact is he plays a position that puts him on the field for only 7 or 8 plays a game. (Maybe less, knowing the success of the Patriots' offense). Because of this, most teams just won't invest big bucks in a punter. They figure the difference in punters is marginal. They would rather invest their money in an "every down" player.

[dhussdawg]

The problem is, most NFL teams believe punters are a "dime a dozen". And they are probably right. While Ryan Allen certainly holds a special place in all our hearts, the fact is he plays a position that puts him on the field for only 7 or 8 plays a game. (Maybe less, knowing the success of the Patriots' offense). Because of this, most teams just won't invest big bucks in a punter. They figure the difference in punters is marginal. They would rather invest their money in an "every down" player.

What is funny is when you see a punter come out early (a la biggest LSU douche of all time Brad Wing). What is this guy thinking? You play one of the least important positions on the field. What would possess you to come out early?

[weunice]

The problem is, most NFL teams believe punters are a "dime a dozen". And they are probably right. While Ryan Allen certainly holds a special place in all our hearts, the fact is he plays a position that puts him on the field for only 7 or 8 plays a game. (Maybe less, knowing the success of the Patriots' offense). Because of this, most teams just won't invest big bucks in a punter. They figure the difference in punters is marginal. They would rather invest their money in an "every down" player.

Of course I think one could make the case that a punter is part of the reason the Saints made the Super Bowl in 2009. The NFCCG is a perfect example. The reason that the Vikings had every statistical advantage in nearly every category and STILL lost was because the Saints kept turning the field around and forcing LONG drives for the Vikings. With a defense that was porous other than the ability to cause turnovers long fields played into the one skill they had. Longer field = More plays = more opportunities for the Vikings to turn the ball over - and they did. IMHO that made a big difference in that game and of course, Morestead is a Top 10 salary punter and top 3 in net yards per punt. Still, at the NFL level they are all really good and the difference between the league min and the $3 million that the top punter is making is a big chunk of money.

[dhussdawg]

Of course I think one could make the case that a punter is part of the reason the Saints made the Super Bowl in 2009. The NFCCG is a perfect example. The reason that the Vikings had every statistical advantage in nearly every category and STILL lost was because the Saints kept turning the field around and forcing LONG drives for the Vikings. With a defense that was porous other than the ability to cause turnovers long fields played into the one skill they had. Longer field = More plays = more opportunities for the Vikings to turn the ball over - and they did. IMHO that made a big difference in that game and of course, Morestead is a Top 10 salary punter and top 3 in net yards per punt. Still, at the NFL level they are all really good and the difference between the league min and the $3 million that the top punter is making is a big chunk of money.

I also remember the punting game for the Bears killing us in the playoffs on that nasty, soggy Soldier Field. Some of the best punting I have ever seen, I think it was Maynard. He just kept dropping them inside the 10.