Packers Cut Cundiff

[Pack0514]

THURSDAY, Aug. 17, 2006, 3:27 p.m.
By Tom Silverstein
Packers cut kicker Cundiff

Green Bay - Choosing youth and leg strength over experience, the Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Billy Cundiff Thursday afternoon, leaving Dave Rayner to handle all the kicking duties for the time being.

The move comes as a surprise given that Cundiff had been more accurate on field goals than Rayner and fairly solid on kickoffs. He has missed six field goals in two weeks of practice, including two in the team's intrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 5.

Rayner has missed more field goals, but his leg strength is better and the Packers apparently view his potential as much greater than Cundiff's. With only one kicker in camp, Rayner will receive all the repetitions in the Atlanta game Saturday and it might give the team an idea of how he handles being the main kicker.

"It was a good battle the whole way," said agent Paul Sheehy, who represents both kickers. "I"m a little surprised they did it this early. They both kicked really well. But this gives Billy a chance to find another job. I'm not worried about him being employed."

Sheehy said he was told the decision wasn't performance-based, but rather the Packers' desire to go with a stronger leg and younger prospect. Rayner, 23, served as the Indianapolis Colts' kickoff man last year after being selected in the sixth round of the draft.

He averaged 61.5 yards on his kickoffs but became expendable when the Colts signed Adam Vinatieri in free agency. Rayner is 0 for 1 in his career on field goals, missing a 59-yarder last year.

In the last kickoff drill the Packers had in practice, Cundiff averaged 66.8 yards to Rayner's 60.1. Rayner also missed two field goals in the intrasquad scrimmage, but also had a successful onsides kick in the San Diego exhibition opener.

Cundiff, who had signed a one-year deal with no signing bonus, kicked the only field goal in the game for the Packers, a 23-yarder.

Sheehy said that the Packers told him they might come back to Cundiff if things don't go well with Rayner.

They also will be on the lookout for kickers who are released when rosters are trimmed to 65 and 53.

[MJZiggy]

See, now there's a move I do not understand...

[packrulz]

I think TT must want to bring in someone slse, maybe Edinger, because Rayner isn't that great either.

[MJZiggy]

That's all I can think of. Rayner's numbers aren't even as good as Cundiff's.

[jack's smirking revenge]

Yeah, I'm puzzled by it too. They must see something in this Rayner guy. Cundiff is definitely nothing special and is ultimately replaceable.

We're just in a really shitty situation with Longwell out of the picture.

MM has to be scared, knowing that some of his games will hinge on the leg of an unknown or a unreliable journeyman.

tyler

[FavreChild]

:?: :shock: :?: :neutral:

Aw, crap.

Oh, wait....it's just a stupid kicker. :mrgreen:

(At least that's what I keep telling myself.)

[Rastak]

I would guess you'll see a new kicker signed shortly.

[BallHawk]

Edinger will be signed within the week.

[MacCool606]

I don't see Edinger as that much better than Cundiff. And his kickoffs certainly aren't going to be as good.

[BananaMan]

Wow. I was pretty shocked when I read that.

It's pretty funny that he's the agent for both kickers. He can't slam the organization for cutting Cundiff and he can't applaud the organization for keeping Rayner.

[red]

wow, i wasn't expecting that

hopefully we bring in edinger, who cares about his leg strength, ryan can kickoff and we know edinger knows how to kick in the cold sh'tty weather

[Partial]

wow, i wasn't expecting that

hopefully we bring in edinger, who cares about his leg strength, ryan can kickoff and we know edinger knows how to kick in a dome

There, Fixed That For You

[Willard]

I don't understand why TT would do this before the upcoming preseason game unless:

(a) He has identified somebody to sign in the next 48 hours,
(b) Billy said bad things about TT's mom,
(c) Billy was spotted doing 100 MPH on Highway 41 last night swinging an empty bottle of Jim Beam out the window of his Ford Pinto.

[BooHoo]

Interesting. I guess we should expect the unexpected.

[MJZiggy]

It can't be C, Willard. Pinto's can't do 100 mph.

[red]

wow, i wasn't expecting that

hopefully we bring in edinger, who cares about his leg strength, ryan can kickoff and we know edinger knows how to kick in a dome

There, Fixed That For You

hey, he played for the bears for 5 of his 6 years. thats a tuff stadium to kick in. in fact he had better numbers outside then he did lastyear in the dome, i think

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187530

[BooHoo]

It can't be C, Willard. Pinto's can't do 100 mph.

Yes they can. Downhill with a stiff wind. :lol:

[red]

It can't be C, Willard. Pinto's can't do 100 mph.

Yes they can. Downhill with a stiff wind. :lol:

and another car pushing it

[Willard]

It can't be C, Willard. Pinto's can't do 100 mph.

Yes they can. Downhill with a stiff wind. :lol:

and another car pushing it

I'm sure that would lead to a gas tank explosion though :lol:

Considering this quote from the story:
Sheehy said he was told the decision wasn't performance-based, but rather the Packers' desire to go with a stronger leg and younger prospect. Rayner, 23, served as the Indianapolis Colts' kickoff man last year after being selected in the sixth round of the draft.

If this is the TT mentality then BJ is as good as gone as well. Ryan is also "a younger prospect with a stronger leg".

[Iron Mike]

Billy was spotted doing 100 MPH on Highway 41 last night swinging an empty bottle of Jim Beam out the window of his Ford Pinto.

No--that was ME!!!!! :razz:

[gbpackfan]

Not really a surprise. I think TT believed Cundiff's leg would be a liability when it got cold out. Rayner isnt the answer either. The experiment continues.

[Willard]

It sounds like the coaches created a "game like" stress test for Rayner this morning and he passed. This probably helped them with their decision to bounce Billy. From the PackersNews Training Camp Update this morning:

The Packers hurried their field goal unit onto the field as time was expiring. Kicker Dave Rayner then converted a 46-yard field goal.

[GoPackGo]

I don't see Edinger as that much better than Cundiff. And his kickoffs certainly aren't going to be as good.

maybe we are gonna sign Edinger for field goals and have Raynor keep doing kickoffs and developing, he's young enough

[BananaMan]

But can we afford to have two kickers on the roster? Especially if we plan to keep extra DEs, HBs/FBs, or WRs.

[Badgepack]

I think TT should be bringing in and looking at (not signing) a couple kickers each week. Wasn't Longwell a undrafted FA signing? Try out lots of kickers and find one with a live leg. Doesn't need to be someone with NFL experience.

[BooHoo]

I think TT should be bringing in and looking at (not signing) a couple kickers each week. Wasn't Longwell a undrafted FA signing? Try out lots of kickers and find one with a live leg. Doesn't need to be someone with NFL experience.

Hey, I'm all for bringing in guys for a try-out.

[gbgary]

THURSDAY, Aug. 17, 2006, 3:27 p.m.
By Tom Silverstein
Packers cut kicker Cundiff
Green Bay - Choosing youth and leg strength over experience, the Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Billy Cundiff Thursday afternoon,


whew!! that was close. glad they came to their senses on this one.

[Rastak]

From KFFL:

Packers | Rayner named the starting place kicker
Thu, 17 Aug 2006 16:40:34 -0700

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Green Bay Packers PK Dave Rayner has been named the starting place kicker. The team is not planning to bring in anyone else to compete.

[pack4to84]

Rayner can sure boot kickoffs here is video from family night.
http://www.rapidupload.com/d.php?file=dl&filepath=16582

[woodbuck27]

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Rayner makes 8 of 10

On Thursday night, his first practice as the lone kicker after the afternoon release of Billy Cundiff, Dave Rayner made 8 of 10 field-goal attempts in a live drill. His misses came on back-to-back attempts from 47 and 49 yards. Punter B.J. Sander was the holder on both misses. Rayner’s longest makes were from 52 yards, which cleared the crossbar at the top of the goalpost, and 47 yards.

Fans who caught the footballs that Rayner kicked over the practice-field fence were allowed to keep them. A Packers spokesman said footballs are valued at approximately $75.



Rumor has it - that Ted Thompson felt something's got to change there.

" Three balls at $75.00 per ball. . well . . . that's $225.00 Big One's, and we can't have that. We'll have the grounds crew install a net ASAP ". jk

Well . . . " the BEAT goes ON ".

[woodbuck27]

From KFFL:

Packers | Rayner named the starting place kicker
Thu, 17 Aug 2006 16:40:34 -0700

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Green Bay Packers PK Dave Rayner has been named the starting place kicker. The team is not planning to bring in anyone else to compete.

I'm not buying that.

GO PACKERS !

[Patler]

Rayner is mostly an unknown quantity. Cundiff has been around long enough to have a feel for what he is They must feel Rayner's potential exceeds what Cundiff is right now.

To really give Rayner a good evaluation, this was best. Dump all the pressure squarely on him and let him kick for three preseason game. If he doesn't cut it in those three games, Cundiff, Edinger or someone else will be here very quickly.

I like this move, doing it early.

[woodbuck27]

Rayner is mostly an unknown quantity. Cundiff has been around long enough to have a feel for what he is They must feel Rayner's potential exceeds what Cundiff is right now.

To really give Rayner a good evaluation, this was best. Dump all the pressure squarely on him and let him kick for three preseason game. If he doesn't cut it in those three games, Cundiff, Edinger or someone else will be here very quickly.

I like this move, doing it early.

Dave Rayner certainly seemed confident that the competition was very close and it seemed that way according to reports. He had better leg strength than Billy Cundiff, and maybe just needs the real shot, so he can relax and get it more consistent from 45 yards in.

He has to do well in the remaining preseason games or Ted Thompson will have someone else in of course.

Good luck to Dave Rayner.

GO PACKERS ! FAITH PACKER FANS !!

[Willard]

Due to the Packers' unstoppable offense our placekicker is of little importance other than on kickoffs. I'm sure we will not bother kicking fieldgoals when the touchdowns start coming so easily for us.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Nice! We kept a guy who has been inaccurate, couldn't hold the kickoff specialist job last year (while kicking in a dome), and who struggled with kickoffs this year.

Please! No Edinger!

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Rayner is mostly an unknown quantity. Cundiff has been around long enough to have a feel for what he is They must feel Rayner's potential exceeds what Cundiff is right now.

To really give Rayner a good evaluation, this was best. Dump all the pressure squarely on him and let him kick for three preseason game. If he doesn't cut it in those three games, Cundiff, Edinger or someone else will be here very quickly.

I like this move, doing it early.

I agree, I like the move as well. As you said, being an NFL kicker is all about being under pressure. Why not put all the pressure on the guy that you think is going to win the job now, rather than when the season starts.

[Packers4Glory]

I highly doubt they bring in anyone else unless he just sucks from here on out in camp. He is young and has a big leg. They are probably hoping he developes like the rest of the young talent. Longwell was accurate but man his kickoffs killed the packers. This guy may not be as accurate of a kicker, but there is potential there for him to become a good and consistent FG kicker while kicking the ball deep on kickoffs.

why not give him a shot? Nobody expected jackcrap out of longwell when he came on. w/ kickers you never know.

Neil Rackers was pretty crappy his first couple seasons in Cincy and has since turned into one the top 3 kickers in the game. Rackers had a big leg but wasn't very accurate 57% and 61% his first 2 yrs in the lg.

[woodbuck27]

Rayner is mostly an unknown quantity. Cundiff has been around long enough to have a feel for what he is They must feel Rayner's potential exceeds what Cundiff is right now.

To really give Rayner a good evaluation, this was best. Dump all the pressure squarely on him and let him kick for three preseason game. If he doesn't cut it in those three games, Cundiff, Edinger or someone else will be here very quickly.

I like this move, doing it early.

I agree, I like the move as well. As you said, being an NFL kicker is all about being under pressure. Why not put all the pressure on the guy that you think is going to win the job now, rather than when the season starts.

He can certainly kick them beyond 50 yards and we may need that?

GO PACKERS ! HOLD FAITHin 2006 !! and BEYOND.

[mmmdk]

Has anybody seen a Dave Rayner kickoff (in camp)? Training camp reports indicated that Cundiff has had longer kickoffs than Dave Rayner. My question though is; does Rayner kick 'em high (the kickoffs)? That might explain Billy having longer kickoffs. There's no doubt that Rayner has the stronger FG leg.

[woodbuck27]

Has anybody seen a Dave Rayner kickoff (in camp)? Training camp reports indicated that Cundiff has had longer kickoffs than Dave Rayner. My question though is; does Rayner kick 'em high (the kickoffs)? That might explain Billy having longer kickoffs. There's no doubt that Rayner has the stronger FG leg.

Did you see this:

Above in this thread the link.

Rayner can sure boot kickoffs here is video from family night.

http://www.rapidupload.com/d.php?file=dl&filepath=16582

GO PACKERS ! FAITH !!

[Astonishment]

This makes sence if the Packers felt that Cundiff was holding Rayner back, as far as getting the reps and game experience.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I don't know. From all accounts, Cundiff was outkicking Rayner. Maybe he's shown so much potential that they've decided to go with him. Maybe they don't like what they see from Cundiff. Seems strange though. The kicker for the 2006 Packers is likely not on the team. Let's just hope a quality kicker becomes available.

[Rastak]

I don't know. From all accounts, Cundiff was outkicking Rayner. Maybe he's shown so much potential that they've decided to go with him. Maybe they don't like what they see from Cundiff. Seems strange though. The kicker for the 2006 Packers is likely not on the team. Let's just hope a quality kicker becomes available.


I thought it was strange also, but it would be a good thing for the Packers if he did emerge as a good young kicker with some leg strength. I know from watching the Vikings that young kickers aren't the most consistent guys on the field most of the time.

[mmmdk]

Holy cow! That's some kickoff by Rayner (saw download). Then why all the reports out of camp that Rayner was kicking shorter kickoffs than Cundiff???

[woodbuck27]

Packer fans !!

It's tough for us to get the inside on some moves. I was really surprised that Billy Cundiff was let go at this point in OUR TC. BAM !!!

Being a suporter of a team, isn't exactly like watching " Survivor or American Idle or the Miss America Contest" - where we see the winners develop.

We see lots of moves that puzzle, at least some of us, but it's ALL very interesting. We ALL just hold out HOPE, that every move will be for US and " of course" - not all are. We are different and see it differently.

What must it be like to be Ted Thompson, as he learns to manage OUR team? It's NOT easy - I expect.

I see Ted Thompson, as a rather mysterious fella, and it will take TIME for this Packer fan to read him. I see this.

I think he has a heart and combined with intelligence, Ted Thompson thinks of the better good for a player.

Some people here want to slam me - because I want Ted Thompson to be solid as OUR GM. I am not all against Ted Thompson, and "in fact" I give him full marks for having a terrific draft last April.

I love it that we have the likes of:

HAWK ,HODGE,JENNINGS,COLLEDGE.SPITZ,CULVER and WILL BLACKMON
(watch for this fella - he's going to be a beauty) . . .

and hopefully, Cory Rodgers and Dale Tollefson and Tony MOLL and Greg Jolly and INGLE MARTIN ( good athlete - great arm) can also contribute to OUR future.

Ted it's said here:

" can't keep them ALL ". . but Ted Thompson . . . just. . well. . . may.

We need the core group of OUR Vet's and the remainder of OUR 53-Man must be the BEST that Ted Thompson can hand - Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his Staff.

Alot of us believed I expect base on what we read and the reports of members here that, Billy Cundiff put in the effort and the results to be the clear front runner (up to yesterday) as OUR kicker. Can anyone deny that?

The press had that assssment as a fact. So Billy Cundiff was dispatched as Ted Thompson felt that he and his Coaching staff saw more upside in Dave Raynor. More potential than Cundiff that seems relevant to Ted's decision on Billy Cundiff.That's it as I view that move.

What is it, that you see - on that move to toss Billy Cundiff?

Timing?? Strange??? No! Not as I have so far been able in my limited standpoint been able to read Ted "Mystery Man" Thompson.

Ted Thompson made up his mind (I hope) or expect, based on input from his HC - Coach's. So why hang onto what he didn't need.

Billy Cundiff and his history in the NFL over Dave Raynor's potential upside.

Give Billy Cundiff another chance while TC is on with another Organization. That maybe . . is partly due to Ted's heart and - HIS Intelligence? Am I out to lunch here people?? Help me to understand this better.

Does ANYONE ELSE see it, at all as I'm seeing it ?? Otherwise - PLEASE straighten me out on this move at this time in OUR TC. . . .

PLEASE !!

WHY do I ask this of YOU Packer fans?? I'll explain.

I have to be prepared now, for the possible release of a man that I've pulled for since way back in early Feb.2006. A man that has worked his tail off and has showed us alot.

Punter - Jon Ryan.

I have to be prepoared for the possible release of another Man that I support -

WR Ruvell Martin who has clearly displayed the effort and "the RESULT's" to be one of OUR WR's to begin this season.

ONLY - Donald Driver has demonstrated better stat's in TC, as of Wed. Aug.16, 2006. Ruvell Martin and DD and Greg Jennings have by a long shot, outshone the likes of Rod Gardner as the 4th best IMO, and after him what in "H" has Robert Ferguson and Marc Boerigter done, but very little that is consistent - positive for this season??

How can I be better prepared for the release of either punter Jon Ryan and /or WR Ruvell Martin?

HELP PLEASE. :mrgreen:

GO PACKERS ! HOLD FAITH FOR 2006 !!

[BooHoo]

Rayner is mostly an unknown quantity. Cundiff has been around long enough to have a feel for what he is They must feel Rayner's potential exceeds what Cundiff is right now.

To really give Rayner a good evaluation, this was best. Dump all the pressure squarely on him and let him kick for three preseason game. If he doesn't cut it in those three games, Cundiff, Edinger or someone else will be here very quickly.

I like this move, doing it early.

Good point from the early pressure point of view. Go Rayner! Maybe we should begin organizing a Rayner fan club! :lol:

[mmmdk]

Dave Rayner got a shot due to potential. Jon Ryan will get the job on potential AND by just being better than BJ. If BJ stays; I will be baffled. As for my man RUVELL MARTIN, well, he could get cut but that would be unfair. McCarthy want big targets and Ruvell is that and more. Boerighter has shown nothing. Even Gardner should feel jumpy. Ferguson will stay on potential...will this be the year? On the latter; I think not but I'd welcome it.
3 best WRs on Packers roster just might be: Driver, Jennings & Ruvell Martin with Ferguson 4th. Ruvell will have to make the jump though; he's got a shot.

[Brohm]

Heard on the radio (Mike Clements sp?) this morning that Cundiff and the ST coach had some words (and poor attitude) during yesterdays practice and that sealed the deal along with Rayners play.

[BooHoo]

Heard on the radio (Mike Clements sp?) this morning that Cundiff and the ST coach had some words (and poor attitude) during yesterdays practice and that sealed the deal along with Rayners play.

It's never good to shoot your mouth off. :cry: