Matt Dodge has been chosen to temporarily replace Adam Podlesh as punter, as he is out due to a hip flexor injury. Dodge played for the NY Giants in 2010, but was not offered a new contract. He averaged 44.8 yards as a rookie.
Looking at his stats, we see consistent records set as a rookie punter. In 2007, his record was for 80 punts of a total of 3,307 years, for an average of 41.7 yards. Again, in 2008, he averaged 43.9 yards a punt, setting a record with this and other things. He made the longest punt of 73 yards, the most yards (296), and kicked 20 punts inside the 20-yard line, setting records with each of those.
At Appalachian State, as a freshmen, he began his streak for making records. He saw action in all twelve of their games, punting 41 times for 1,626 yards total. He averaged 39.7 yards per punt. For one seven punt streak, he totaled 293 yards, three of which were inside the 20-yard line. Two different times during the year he punted 55 yards. During most of his games, he had either 5, 6, or 7 punts fore each game. In a three game total, he punted six or more punts for a total of 229 yards.
He is 25 years old and weighs in at 220 pounds. He has set many, many records as a punter. He started playing in high school and played all through college. Though he set many impressive records, one mistake may have cost him a career. It is hoped, since everyone makes mistakes and someone always has to lose, that it won't affect him so severely. He is one of the special team. In football there re three, the offensive team, the defensive team, and the special team, who are the ones who do the kicking.
He was well ready for the NFL when he finished playing for college. He got drafted in a seventh round pick, and had a very good year until his big mistake. He miscalculated and didn't kick the ball out of bounds as intended. His contract was not renewed, and he now operates as s free agent. He has played some previously, but it is not known how this new position will impact him.
Tom Coughlin, coach for the giants, said his cutting Dodge and having to tell him was hardest thing he has ever done. Dodge took it well, Coughlin said. He indicated that he had seen a lot of maturing and growing in him during that season, and expects to see big things from him as a punter. Coughlin praised his strong legs.
Coughlin said the reason his decision was so hard is that every player in summer camp is good. The best players are there, and when drafting players, the decision is very hard. Each player has high expectations because they are encouraged to reach for the highest. But, selections have to be made, and someone has to be cut, even if they are good.
There is not many times in life when a whole history of exceptional successes is overshadowed by one mistake of a few seconds. Though the history for Matt Dodge was superb, having records set in almost every game, and certainly every season, this one mistake has cost him dearly. It is hoped that he will make a comeback in spite of it.
Looking at his stats, we see consistent records set as a rookie punter. In 2007, his record was for 80 punts of a total of 3,307 years, for an average of 41.7 yards. Again, in 2008, he averaged 43.9 yards a punt, setting a record with this and other things. He made the longest punt of 73 yards, the most yards (296), and kicked 20 punts inside the 20-yard line, setting records with each of those.
At Appalachian State, as a freshmen, he began his streak for making records. He saw action in all twelve of their games, punting 41 times for 1,626 yards total. He averaged 39.7 yards per punt. For one seven punt streak, he totaled 293 yards, three of which were inside the 20-yard line. Two different times during the year he punted 55 yards. During most of his games, he had either 5, 6, or 7 punts fore each game. In a three game total, he punted six or more punts for a total of 229 yards.
He is 25 years old and weighs in at 220 pounds. He has set many, many records as a punter. He started playing in high school and played all through college. Though he set many impressive records, one mistake may have cost him a career. It is hoped, since everyone makes mistakes and someone always has to lose, that it won't affect him so severely. He is one of the special team. In football there re three, the offensive team, the defensive team, and the special team, who are the ones who do the kicking.
He was well ready for the NFL when he finished playing for college. He got drafted in a seventh round pick, and had a very good year until his big mistake. He miscalculated and didn't kick the ball out of bounds as intended. His contract was not renewed, and he now operates as s free agent. He has played some previously, but it is not known how this new position will impact him.
Tom Coughlin, coach for the giants, said his cutting Dodge and having to tell him was hardest thing he has ever done. Dodge took it well, Coughlin said. He indicated that he had seen a lot of maturing and growing in him during that season, and expects to see big things from him as a punter. Coughlin praised his strong legs.
Coughlin said the reason his decision was so hard is that every player in summer camp is good. The best players are there, and when drafting players, the decision is very hard. Each player has high expectations because they are encouraged to reach for the highest. But, selections have to be made, and someone has to be cut, even if they are good.
There is not many times in life when a whole history of exceptional successes is overshadowed by one mistake of a few seconds. Though the history for Matt Dodge was superb, having records set in almost every game, and certainly every season, this one mistake has cost him dearly. It is hoped that he will make a comeback in spite of it.
About the Author:
If you would like to listen to the music of Matt Dodge & the Lobsters take a look at www.mattdodgemusic.com. You can preview one of several new songs at http://www.mattdodgemusic.com.
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