Sunday, September 23, 2012

Chicago Bears Sign On Matt Dodge

By Rebekah Alford


With Adam Podlesh out with a hip flexor injury, Matt Dodge has been selected to relieve him. In 2010, Dodge played with the NY Giants, but was not given a renewal. His average punt as a rookie was 44.8 yards.

As a rookie, he set records over and over. He kicked 80 punts in 2007, for a total of 3,307 yards. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt for that year. Another record was sent in 2008 when he averaged 43.9 yards per punt. Other records were set by him that year as well, such as kicking 20 punts that made it inside the 20-yard line. He also make the longest punt (73 yards) and the greatest number of yards, at 296.

His first year at Appalachian State was filled with records as well. He played in every game, punting 41 total times, setting a record of 1,626 yards, with an average punt of 39.7 yards. In seven of his punts, he accumulated 293 yards. He hit inside the 20-yard line with three of those. On two occasions that season, he punted 55 yards. In every game, he punted either 5,6 or 7 times each game. In three of those games at least 6 punts, and totaled 229 yards.

At age 25, weighing in at 220 pounds, he is a top punter, setting many records. He has played since high school, playing in college as well. Though he was an excellent punter, setting many records, one mistake may have been his downfall. Since someone has to win and someone lose, maybe it won't have too much of a negative impact. He is a great punter. There are three parts to a football team. There is the offense, the defense, and the special team. The special team does the kicking, including punting.

With such an awesome college, he was ready for the NFL. NY Giants coach selected him in a seventh round pick. He did well, until his miscalculation on a kick cost his team a very important game. His contract was not renewed, so he became a free agent. He has been selected some, but is still a free agent. This new position might be his answer.

The Giants coach, Tom Coughlin, said it was the hardest thing to have to cut Dodge and to tell him that. He said it went well, however. He stressed that he had seen a lot of growth and maturity that year, and fully expects him to go far as a punter. He has some of the strongest legs, Coughlin stated.

Every player is exemplar, Coughlin says. Summer camp is a gathering of the very best. When having to draft, he says the decision is very hard. The players all expect the best, as they are encouraged to reach for the top. However, someone always has to be left out, even though they are very good.

For most, one mistake after several successes doesn't have much of an impact. However, for Matt Dodge, just that happened. After an excellent playing history, setting records every season, one mistake in calculation on a kick has impacted him severely. However, a comeback is likely, given the player he is.




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