Packer punting - a bit inconsistent

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'd say Ryan has been a slight disappointment. Knowing the leg strength that he does have, I was hoping he'd be a little more consistent. Then again, I kind of expected this. With regards to his touchbacks, I know a couple of them have been like the one this week. I think he booted it around 56 yards, so it's not like he was really trying to pooch it down there. Being at your own 44 or whatever, you kind of have to give it a big swing and hope it gets a good bounce.

[Patler]

You know me, I love looking at numbers. After 6 games last year, BJ Sander had 25 punts for a gross average of 41.56 yards, with 8 downed inside the 20 and only 1 touchback. Of course he fell apart in the second half of the season for what ever reason. Hopefully Ryans stronger leg will hold up better in the bad weather to come.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I sure hope Ryan doesn't fall off like that. The leg strength is the big difference. Ryan's gross average will likely fall off a bit, but I'm hoping his gross average improves.

[Patler]

I know a couple of them have been like the one this week. I think he booted it around 56 yards, so it's not like he was really trying to pooch it down there. Being at your own 44 or whatever, you kind of have to give it a big swing and hope it gets a good bounce.

That's where the "art" comes in, knowing your own strength and getting the ball to do what you want it to, by controlling the distance, kicking out of bounds, or with enough height for fair catches. Ryan seems to struggle a bit with all 3 options. I also hope to see more 50+ yarders when the Packers are backed up, not when they are near midfield.

I don't think of him as a disappointment, I worried about blocks more than anything. I am realistic enough though to know that he has quite a way to go before he is the long-term answer to GB's punting problems. At least he has leg strength to work with.

[Patler]

I sure hope Ryan doesn't fall off like that. The leg strength is the big difference. Ryan's gross average will likely fall off a bit, but I'm hoping his gross average improves.

I assume you meant you hope his "net" average improves.
People overlook that. For example, if Ryan had been able to keep 2 or 3 of his touchbacks at around the 10 yard line instead, his gross average would be about a yard WORSE, but his net effectiveness would be better. That's what counts.

[gbgary]

i have no complaints with the punting or place kicking. both have done well considering their experience and the overall situation.

[FavreChild]

The punts need more hang time. However, again, this is really the least of our troubles. Could the punting be improved? Yep, you bet. But it is far down the list of reasons why we have only won two games.

There is plenty of reason to believe that Ryan can only get better, though. So we got that goin' for us...

[HarveyWallbangers]

The other thing to remember is that when looking at his gross average is that the Packers have gone up against Devin Hester, Reggie Bush, Eddie Drummond, Dexter Wynn, and Wes Welker. That's a pretty good group of returners. His net average was really affected by the Hester return. Without that he easily ranks in the top half in the league in net average.