Chiefs sign former Bills Punter Matt Araiza

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/pla...nty-percentage

Townsend was bottom tier on percentage inside the 20 this year. Also only about league average in yards per punt.

They can do better.

The punting world has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. For decades a 45 yard gross average would make you the best in the league. In 2023 we had six punters who grossed more than 50 (not counting a 7th who had just three punts). 29 punters (with 20+ attempts) grossed 45 or better.

I wonder what's changed so much. I don't think it can be just raw strength. There must be some technique change that's producing more yards.

[Hayneplane]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

The punting world has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. For decades a 45 yard gross average would make you the best in the league. In 2023 we had six punters who grossed more than 50 (not counting a 7th who had just three punts). 29 punters (with 20+ attempts) grossed 45 or better.

I wonder what's changed so much. I don't think it can be just raw strength. There must be some technique change that's producing more yards.

Could it be related to an increase in the long range field goal percentage success so that around halfway teams are now more likely to trust their kicker than turn to the punter meaning less shorter range punts requiring precision to try and in in the 5 and more of the punts just being rip the leg through and hammer it.