An enduring truism about the N.F.L. is that the guys who kick the ball are as disposable as a Pampers and as recyclable as today’s newspaper (the printed one). This season we have the perfect example. Just follow the bouncing punter:

Aug. 30: The Redskins cut veteran Derrick Frost and keep rookie draft pick Durant Brooks.

Sept. 1: The Packers sign Frost and cut Jon Ryan.

Sept. 9: The Seahawks sign Ryan and cut Ryan Plackemeier.

Oct. 14: The Redskins sign Plackemeier and (a few days later) cut Brooks.

And so the circle of the N.F.L. punting life is complete.

Read more. . .

My introductory post assesses the incredible season  that kickers are having thus far.

Post No. 2 is about why icing the kicker is a waste  of time.

Today’s entry begins like this:

As I was scanning the N.F.L. field-goal stats the other day — yes, I do that — something popped out. Old guys are doing remarkably well this season.

John Carney, the 44-year-old Giants kicker who is in his 20th season, has made 18 of 19 attempts—the lone miss was a ridiculous block against San Francisco — and leads the league in scoring. Jason Elam, 38, in his first season in Atlanta after 15 in Denver, is 16-for-17 with a 50-yarder. Carolina’s John Kasay, who has spent 18 of his 39 years on Earth in the N.F.L.—is a perfect 16-for-16.

Read more. . .