1 player for punting and kicking

[metallicblaze]

Why doesn't 1 player do both Punting and Kicking duties? It would save a roster spot for a big guy on the line, lb, etc? A random thought I had.

 

[easyk83]

It's very difficult for one player to handle both duties. Believe it or not but both positions require a high degree of precision and skill which means constant repetitions.

 

[gatorpack]

and if he got hurt during a game we wouldn't be able to punt or kick

 

[TJV]

I think the answer to the question is not one NFL team does it.

 

[yooperpackfan]

It used to be:
Hornung, running back, place kicker,, punter.
Kramer, guard, place kicker.
McGee, WR, punter
Dowler, WR, punter
Donnie Anserson, running back, punter.
There is no other reason than, times have changed.

 

[easyk83]

It used to be:
Hornung, running back, place kicker,, punter.
Kramer, guard, place kicker.
McGee, WR, punter
Dowler, WR, punter
Donnie Anserson, running back, punter.
There is no other reason than, times have changed.

With expanded rosters comes expanded opportunities for specialists. Besides we've seen how a top notch directional punter can alter the course of a game. Masthay at his best has helped shut offenses down in some big games. That 2010 season finale against the Bears consisted of some of the best directional punting I've seen and the Bears were constantly getting pinned inside their 10 yard line.

 

[Poppa San]

Why doesn't 1 player do both Punting and Kicking duties? It would save a roster spot for a big guy on the line, lb, etc? A random thought I had.

You'd basically would be saving a roster spot for someone like Nixon, Stoneburner, Walker. Players that will rarely do more than play special teams for most of their career. Might as well have a kicking specialist. I don't see why the punter can't be taught and used as an emergency QB though. They are used to catching snaps and handling the ball.

 

[gbpowner]

Or what about having your center (or backup center) be the long snapper? These guys are so specialized that once they make the team with an accurate snap, a decent block and an occasional tackle; they have a job for however long they choose to play football. Sweet deal!

 

[El Guapo]

I was the center and long snapper in high school. While similar motions they are pretty different in execution, especially while wearing pads. The shotgun snap is more of a quick wrist movement with a little arm, while the long snap is a whole-body movement. Probably the biggest reason that you don't see the same guys doing it in the NFL is because the center trains with the linemen all day in practices and works on identifying protection schemes. He doesn't have the time to be working on his snaps with the punter and FG holder.

As for combining the kicking, they could be done by the same guy but not as well as they are done by specialists. One could speculate that your leg becomes highly trained in one motion and to switch back and forth during a game could lead to higher injury occurrences.

 

[Goater]

That New England place kicker did a great job punting vs Indianapolis. Its also been a long time since I've seen a quarterback in as a holder.