Cory's Corner: The Packers' punter must be addressed

Let’s just get this out of the way now: the Packers’ punting position is a disaster.

Twelve days before Green Bay’s season opener in Jacksonville, Packers general manager Ted Thompson opted to cut the six-year Packers veteran punter Tim Masthay after production has waned the last two years.

The guy that everyone thought Thompson would bring to Green Bay was Britton Colquit, who helped the Broncos bring the Super Bowl 50 trophy to Denver. Yet, Thompson opted to bring in Jake Schum, who was cut by Tampa Bay two days earlier.

Initially Schum looked good. In the final preseason game at Kansas City, he averaged 45 yards a punt, including booming one 57 yards, on eight punts.

Fast forward to Sunday night and Schum should be looking for work. He’s No. 31 in the NFL in gross average (40.4), No. 33 at punts inside the 20 (2) and he’s No. 16 with an average of 9 yards returned per punt.

What’s worse is that Schum is making his defense work even harder. Since many of his punts have been either shanked or hit so low, they aren’t keeping opposing teams out of potential scoring position.

With the offense going through a season-long flu bug, everything else has to be on point. It’s pretty clear that the defense is the reason this team has won three of four games and it cannot afford its punter to hang the defense out to dry.

Ironically enough, Tim Masthay is available, so is Green Bay's native son Peter Mortell, who looked pretty good in the preseason.

I really thought that the Packers would have dug deep into their punting rolodex over their Week 4 bye and worked out several available punters.

That didn’t happen, which means two things. It either means that Thompson doesn’t have a problem with how things are going at the punting position or he is afraid that if he makes another move that will just be a public way of saying he made a mistake.

We all know that time isn’t on the Packers’ side. Jordy Nelson proved that he is the heartbeat of the offense but he’s 31. Aaron Rodgers turns 33 in December and the timeless Julius Peppers turns 37 in January.

Punting is never a fun position to talk about. Yet, how often does a punter get booed at home in the fourth game of the season? If the defensive line was just average, the Giants would have turned those poor punts into more points and possibly a victory.

Will a new punter guarantee success? Of course not. However, you cannot keep the status quo when things have gotten so bad. 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (34)

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NickPerry's picture

October 11, 2016 at 07:28 am

This guy is awful, just pathetic. This isn't another case of sticking with a trusted player of the past (Crosby). No, this is a case of cutting some Dump Truck who was available before the the preseason was over. One who hasn't "Wowed" anyone in the time he's been in the NFL, and he certainly hasn't showcased his great ability of directional punting or hang time. He just BLOWS. He was also a huge part of the reason the Giants got 2 of their Field Goals by giving them short fields.

The Packers have NO loyalty to this guy, he's never helped them win a game or got them out of a jam. What's even more unnerving is if he can't punt when it's 50 degrees outside, what's going to happen when it's 5 degrees with 26 mile an hour winds?? I seriously doubt the Packers will have a punter at 1265 Lombardi today to challenge him though, and that's what's wrong with this organization right now. Ted you were WRONG, still time to get it right but will you? I doubt it.

BTW... Wouldn't Jacquizz Rodgers have looked great as that "Change of Pace Back" in the Packers Offense? Hell he'd have been a better #2 than Starks for less money AND he was available before week one of the Regular Season.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 11, 2016 at 06:54 am

We really could use another RB. plain and simple. I would have loved to have had a change of pace RB, but right now I would settle for a #2 RB that can average more then 2 yards per carry and that can actually catch the ball.

I know many didn't want him, but how wouldn't have Spiller been an upgrade? Rodgers is another. How about Justin Forsett?

With Lacy possibly out, they could use someone else.

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NickPerry's picture

October 11, 2016 at 07:21 am

Forsett would be a decent pick-up if he's cheap. He just signed that big deal with the Ravens before last season so if the Packers signed him do they become responsible for any of that salary? TGR or Oppy??

I brought up Rodgers only because how well he played last night against Carolina. I liked him in Atlanta as that type of back when he was there.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 11, 2016 at 07:32 am

Since they didn't claim him they wouldn't be responsible for his old contract.

I only bring up Forsett because he is the only RB that I know is a FA right now.
IMO, they need to find another RB. Maybe that's Don Jackson on the PS. Maybe someone else has a RB on PS somewhere.

I brought it up yesterday, but is Starks done? I mean he is averaging less then 2 yards per carry. He is making bad decisions and he has dropped a lot of catchable passes.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

October 11, 2016 at 10:17 am

Starks should have been done at the end of last year with all of his fumbles... But blumbering MM keeps trotting out the same ol crap all the time... Starks is horrible but how many other RB are on the roster NONE.... I would cut our horrid punter for a RB if needed... How many more mistakes can Adams make before MM benches him in favor of any of the other 4 WR on the team....

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 11, 2016 at 10:34 am

What mistakes did Adams make?

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Norm's picture

October 11, 2016 at 08:02 pm

False start that negated a touchdown (the play where the Giants had 12 men on the field but with Adams' penalty there were offsetting penalties so down didn't count). Other than that though i thought he played pretty well, compared to what we've gotten from him recently.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

October 11, 2016 at 09:38 pm

from the punter to starks to Rodgers and Rodgers and Adams... on and on harps the crows and articles like this fuel their rage. The team is 3-1, let the coaches coach and decide. The season is four games old! Man... tough to read this site when the Packers are winning... I can't imagine what would happen when they lose... (pukes) But remembers... Viking trolls posing as "loyal and smart" Packer fans.

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JJtheTraveler's picture

October 11, 2016 at 11:00 pm

I agree but with a caveat. I'm losing faith in Mike and maybe Ted, too. I saw the same in Seattle re the mariners. They wanted to field a good team so they never fielded a GREAT team. Seems we're playing not to lose.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

October 12, 2016 at 10:35 am

The big one negating the TD. Yes against the Giants he wasn't horrible but the other games you can't argue he had as many mistakes as he did good plays. I just don't get why they play him sooo much and doesn't make good plays consistently and doesn't give Montgomery, Abby, or Janis any love.... Not saying they are going to set the world on fire but give them some shots and not trot out the same BS all the game. MM did well first drive multiple sets and after that went back to his hole of same 3 wr 1 TE 1RB...

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Oppy's picture

October 12, 2016 at 07:44 pm

That's totally TGR's territory.

All the cap stuff makes my head spin!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 13, 2016 at 01:39 am

I am flattered. RC above is perfectly correct, IMO. When team X cuts a player, all money already earned or guaranteed accelerates onto team X's cap. If the player signs a new contract with Team Y, the new team is not responsible for any aspect of the previous contract between the player and Team X.

Some contracts have offset language, but that affects only the player and Team X, not the new team, Y, and generally arises only with regard to 1st round rookie contracts.

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Savage57's picture

October 11, 2016 at 07:14 am

You use the word 'addressed'.

I'd use a different word, and it would probably involve weapons.

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Mags's picture

October 11, 2016 at 08:04 am

I can't see TT bringing back Masthay. Like Cory said it would be like him admitting a mistake and I don't think his ego likes that.

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rdent's picture

October 11, 2016 at 09:36 am

I agree, TT's ego at times gets in the way of him correcting his mistakes and it looks like Shum is a mistake,sure Mastay was declining but TT didn't do his homework before signing Shum,that went from bad to worse

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Gianich's picture

October 11, 2016 at 09:40 am

Bring in Mortell. Not only was it the shanks and inconsistency but Mastay was taking forever to get the punt off and it had lead to multiple blocks in the last year plus.... With Schumbag the Pack have not gained anything in consistency, or hangtime, or length, or anything that could be viewed as a gain, but at least he gets the ball off before it's blocked....I guess..

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Theresa Schultz's picture

October 11, 2016 at 08:16 am

Pete Mortell??? Looked good in preseason. I agree Schum is not the answer

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pacman's picture

October 11, 2016 at 09:17 am

I think we should wait until special team blows the NFC championship game again.

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Point-Packer's picture

October 11, 2016 at 01:29 pm

Yeah, let's do that again. I mean, special teams don't really matter. Not like top teams in the league have top tier units.

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Brian's picture

October 11, 2016 at 09:28 am

I think this decision is more on McCarthy and Zook. Didn't McCarthy make some kind of comment during the offseason about his desire to have a more consistent punter? I think Thompson is listening to those two coaches and being told they can get Schum to turn the corner. This is bullshit. They'd be better with Masthay or Mortell especially as the temperature drops but I think it is McCarthy who is too proud to admit a mistake, not Thompson. Pittsburg Macho smh!

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Oppy's picture

October 12, 2016 at 07:52 pm

Actually, there was quite a bit of conjecture the day of Masthay's cut that Mike McCarthy had no idea it was coming.

Mike McCarthy told reporters Tim Masthay was "in the driver's seat" literally 3 hours before the Packers announced he was cut. Many beat reporters speculated that MM may have not had any idea Masthay was on the chopping block that day.

Here is MM's words that day:

"Tim Masthay, he’s in the driver’s seat," McCarthy said. "It’s important to have a good week of practice and perform in Kansas City, just like everybody. It’s a competition to make your team. It’s really available for all of those guys fighting for spots as you go through each position. Tim, we have great history with here and he’ll just continue to work and get better."

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Since'61's picture

October 11, 2016 at 09:40 am

If we assume for a moment that Schum was injured and we had to bring in another punter who would that be? My guess is that the Packers would bring Masthay back. They would know what they were getting and they know he can be an effective holder for Crosby. Therefore, although Masthay is not a long term solution I would bring him back now, punt Schum out of Green Bay and keep looking for a real punter. Schum needs to go. He gives away too much field position and is hurting our defense. Max McGee or Donny Anderson, anyone? Thanks, Since '61

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rdent's picture

October 11, 2016 at 12:35 pm

Since 61quote: although Mastay is not a long term solution I would bring him back now,punt Shum out of Green Bay and keep looking for a real punter.Since 61, look up what MM said on Packers.com,a lot of us want to see Shum out but that's not likely and even if Shum got hurt neither is bringing back Mastay and it's easy to say keep looking for a real punter but in case you don't realize they don't grow on trees,at this point options are thin,it seems they made a mistake there but it looks like they may have to deal with it until next year

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 11, 2016 at 08:02 pm

Nah, bringing back Mathay is viable. I would give Schum another game. If he stinks up the joint again, it is perfectly possible TT would cut Schum. NFL punters do not grow on trees, but there are many prospects out there.

Most rookie punters do not make their team, spend a year or two refining their game, and some find a spot a few years later. Guys like Tom Hackett, currently a FA, rarely land a roster spot as a UDFA rookie punter. I hope TT has some punters in for try outs, including Mr. Hackett.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

October 11, 2016 at 10:20 am

Has Crosby ever punted? Or anyone on the team ever punted in like high school?? Here is looking a you swiss army knife Cobb??

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rdent's picture

October 11, 2016 at 12:31 pm

I just read on Packers.com that MM not interested in changing punters quote: " We just need to punt it better."

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 11, 2016 at 08:03 pm

Schum needs better pad level. Oh, wait... different cliche.

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rdent's picture

October 13, 2016 at 07:12 am

Execute better,lol

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L's picture

October 11, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Four-year pro Ryan Quigley and three-year pro Brad Wing are rostered.

R.Quigley is on the Cardinals and B.Wing is on the Giants... we just watched him.

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NMPF's picture

October 11, 2016 at 12:36 pm

This guy stinks. Playing devils advocate here but could the reason the trigger isn't being pulled is on this sorry excuse for a punter is Crosby is perfect on FG & EP. Seems like a dumbass reason but I'm at a loss.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

October 12, 2016 at 10:42 am

Mathsay is still out there... Even he was slightly better then current. I didn't think Mortell was has horrid. We at least know mathsay can punt bad in winter. This guy punts bad with good weather... Can't wait till January with this guy...

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lou's picture

October 11, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Because the team hardly ever looks for experienced NFL players to trade for or sign as free agents, the people assigned to "Pro Scouting" with all the time on their hands must know everyone who has punted in pre-season or league games the last 5 years, what they eat for breakfast, what their favorite TV show is ectc. Now tell me they should not have a short and long list of who to replace Schum with and it "pride" matters to them, work them out outside of Lambeau Field.

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Lphill's picture

October 11, 2016 at 02:06 pm

Amazing to me that the punting situation was not rectified yesterday after that terrible performance on Sunday , and on that note why was Crosby allowing the Giants to run out those kicks it seemed the Giants had great field position on every possession , again more pressure on the defense.

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dobber's picture

October 12, 2016 at 10:43 am

"and on that note why was Crosby allowing the Giants to run out those kicks "

My guess is that he was kicking the ball the way he was instructed to kick the ball. We know he can put it deep in warmer weather and it wasn't prohibitively cold on Sunday.

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