Rd 6, Pick 180 (1): Punter Matt Araiza, San Diego State

[Warcodered]

18 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

As stated by NFL coaches

 

You just don't have time for the backup quarterback to be practicing holding all day 

 

The punter and kickers work together.. they're together all day and can work on it

Besides why would we think Keenum could learn to hold any better than the Araiza?

[Nihilarian]

What I don't get is... why a team (or the teams fans) that almost never punts wants a punt god?

 

Seems like the NY Jets could really use him. 😄

[unbillievable]

He also has a 70yd Field Goal range.

 

If the wind is behind him, he might be able to try a field goal after the touchback.

 

 

[Rigotz]

I’m loving this thread. 
 

On a serious note, Punt God has two added benefits outside of punting:

- He’s a backup FG kicker if something happened to Bass mid-game (a luxury most teams don’t have.

- He’s easily the fastest punter in the league if we want to do a trick play.

6 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

if he is shaky as a holder, the Bills will be really stuck. They can’t sign Araiza to the PS, as he will Be poached. They can’t sign two active punters to the roster. And they can’t afford to roll the dice in a SB year on someone who may mess up Bass as a bad holder. I think they learned from their mistake with Bojo, who screwed up Bass constantly and almost ended Mason Crosby’s career last year. 
 

Given how little the team punts, i suspect they would go with Haack if Araiza is a shaky holder, and pray Haack improves as a punter. 

 

 

Looks like someone doesn’t know the rules.

Teams can protect up to 3 players on the practice squad.

[nucci]

6 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

if he is shaky as a holder, the Bills will be really stuck. They can’t sign Araiza to the PS, as he will Be poached. They can’t sign two active punters to the roster. And they can’t afford to roll the dice in a SB year on someone who may mess up Bass as a bad holder. I think they learned from their mistake with Bojo, who screwed up Bass constantly and almost ended Mason Crosby’s career last year. 
 

Given how little the team punts, i suspect they would go with Haack if Araiza is a shaky holder, and pray Haack improves as a punter. 

 

 

Does praying work? 

[frogger]

Pros: punter that can truly flip the field…the #1 defense just went from starting at their 35+ to starting inside their 25.
 
Pros: while hopefully never used, as a left footed kicker the onside game could’ve gotten interesting, especially with the new rules.

 

cons: Holding, are we going to see 2 punters with one a designated holder?  I’ve said this in previous posts.  He was a kicker too and obviously didn’t hold his own kick.  Bojo ruined Crosby this past year, I don’t want to see Bass have a setback.  We’ll lose more games with a 10% lower FG % over a 10+ yard punting difference. So I’m actually saying, keep MH too as a designated holder.

 

 
 

 

 

 

[TBBills]

Ffs people he can hold the ball. 

[Chandler#81]

15 hours ago, chris heff said:

And since he can also kick can he hold for himself?

No, but he’ll definitely tackle the returner! #Rambo

[harryS]

5 hours ago, Nihilarian said:

What I don't get is... why a team (or the teams fans) that almost never punts wants a punt god?

 

Seems like the NY Jets could really use him. 😄

 

that's overstated as we still punt over a quarter of the time.  it's like how we only average 2 FG attempts a game but it's still nice to have a great placekicker.

 

araiza's the ultimate field flipper.  now, any time the bills are in bad field position (like after a 3-and-out), the opposing team is in bad field position.  opposing DCs will have to gameplan around Araiza and make sure Buffalo always gets a couple of first downs before playing D for real.

[Kirby Jackson]

15 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

that would be my preference, but they aren’t going to take him out of the QB room or waste a gameday spot on a holder. I am pretty sure it has to be Azaria. And if he can’t do it, Haack wins the punting job. 

There isn’t a punting competition between Haack and Araiza. That was decided the minute the Bills turned in the card. The guy holds FBS records for gross average, punts over 50, punts over 60, etc… When they (correctly) decided to add him the job was GUARANTEED to be his. They went from the lowest average in the NFL to that.
 

If he’s an abomination as a holder they’ll burn another spot on the game day roster to hold. Maybe they even train someone like Kumerow for that role? It probably increases his value. Yes, I understand that other teams aren’t doing that. The Bills will. If he can hold, even better. 

[eball]

Yeah, @Kirby Jackson, Haack is toast.  But this thread is hilarious.  I don’t want the Bills to punt more than 1-2 times a game.

[Kirby Jackson]

Just now, eball said:

Yeah, @Kirby Jackson, Haack is toast.  But this thread is hilarious.  I don’t want the Bills to punt more than 1-2 times a game.

I don’t think that they’ll punt often. It’s nice though to have that weapon when it’s needed. There was a game this year where Haack was a disaster. They still won the game (it might have been Miami or the Jets). He was booed off the field. He also had the punt blocked against Pittsburgh. Haack was the worst player on the roster (and that might include the complete 90 man version). The Punt God is a massive upgrade.

[muppy]

10 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:

He has a role. Teach Araiza everything he knows about holding and then get cut. 

ain't it the truth. And Haack deep down knows it too. He will hopefully have a good camp to showcase his gifts so he will catch on with another team.  

 

But I will say this: if the rookie for whatever reason doesn't stick on our roster look for THAT thread  to go 100 pages EASY 😜

 

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

So, 🤔

who are you people blaming for the blocked punts?

 

seems that’s an O line issue 

 

[UKBillFan]

4 minutes ago, muppy said:

ain't it the truth. And Haack deep down knows it too. He will hopefully have a good camp to showcase his gifts so he will catch on with another team.  

 

But I will say this: if the rookie for whatever reason doesn't stick on our roster look for THAT thread  to go 100 pages EASY 😜

 

 

I think Beane said Bass and Ferguson would be helping Arazia in terms of holding. I remember referencing it at the time, why Haack wouldn’t help too. Especially as, in the same comment, Beane called him an elite holder.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

55 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

There isn’t a punting competition between Haack and Araiza. That was decided the minute the Bills turned in the card. The guy holds FBS records for gross average, punts over 50, punts over 60, etc… When they (correctly) decided to add him the job was GUARANTEED to be his. They went from the lowest average in the NFL to that.
 

If he’s an abomination as a holder they’ll burn another spot on the game day roster to hold. Maybe they even train someone like Kumerow for that role? It probably increases his value. Yes, I understand that other teams aren’t doing that. The Bills will. If he can hold, even better. 

When did backup QB’s stop holding?

 

 

How much extra time does it take from a backup?

 

Edited May 1, 2022 by SlimShady'sSpaceForce

[ExiledInIllinois]

PuntGod! 

 

We are NOT worthy!

 

1 minute ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

When did backup QB’s stop holding?

 

Who better than try a fake punt and pass?

What? Hey RIP Van... Have you been sleeping 😴 thru The Revolution! 😉 😜 

5 hours ago, gobills404 said:

Can’t believe we wasted a draft pick on a guy who isn’t even gonna play against the patriots 

😆...I see what you did here! 

[YoloinOhio]

10 minutes ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

So, 🤔

who are you people blaming for the blocked punts?

 

seems that’s an O line issue 

 

The coach who got canned/resigned - easy to blame him since he’s gone

[muppy]

5 minutes ago, UKBillFan said:

I think Beane said Bass and Ferguson would be helping Arazia in terms of holding. I remember referencing it at the time, why Haack wouldn’t help too. Especially as, in the same comment, Beane called him an elite holder.

I read how totally great a holder Haack is. I would think reps and being taught technique would help any rookie player improve. I read Araiza has already picked the brains of NFL players on their thinking.... . It just may be a natural talent that a person has in abundance more than other players. Kind of like long snapper. Its a unique gift right? I'm asking for conversation sake. I'm not sure.

[ExiledInIllinois]

8 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

You are missing the point. Holding is actually a skill and the entire process needs to go the same way every time. So, the long snapper, kicker, punter, etc, work together as a unit. You simply don't have non ST players holding anymore. The job is too important. And I expect, nuanced.  Yes, "anyone can hold" but can they do it the same way, every time? With the timing, laces out, etc?

 

I'm shocked by the disrespect these positions get from some here. ST is very important. And there are skills and teamwork that involve practice. And constant improvement. So, maybe teach a deep roster WR/RB to hold?  Sure he might be able to get the necessary reps. But they you have one extra ST player on your active roster who normally would be a healthy inactive. 

Hey Ferguson! @BringBackFergy ^^^ Read what this guy wrote!  He gets it! Kinda like other jobs in society! 😆 😉 

[Doc]

8 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

if he is shaky as a holder, the Bills will be really stuck. They can’t sign Araiza to the PS, as he will Be poached. They can’t sign two active punters to the roster. And they can’t afford to roll the dice in a SB year on someone who may mess up Bass as a bad holder. I think they learned from their mistake with Bojo, who screwed up Bass constantly and almost ended Mason Crosby’s career last year. 
 

Given how little the team punts, i suspect they would go with Haack if Araiza is a shaky holder, and pray Haack improves as a punter.

 

If he can't hold, no one will want him.  But Bojo is the first punter I've ever seen/heard of that had trouble holding, much less doing that "we're fake punting this, right?  Right?"  I think it's more mental with Bojo.

 

If Araiza can pick the ball out of the air while receiving the ball to punt, he's got the hardest part of holding down.  The rest is a matter of practice.

 

11 minutes ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

So, 🤔

who are you people blaming for the blocked punts?

 

seems that’s an O line issue

 

For whom?  Haack or Araiza?

[muppy]

8 hours ago, The Dean said:

 

You are missing the point. Holding is actually a skill and the entire process needs to go the same way every time. So, the long snapper, kicker, punter, etc, work together as a unit. You simply don't have non ST players holding anymore. The job is too important. And I expect, nuanced.  Yes, "anyone can hold" but can they do it the same way, every time? With the timing, laces out, etc?

 

I'm shocked by the disrespect these positions get from some here. ST is very important. And there are skills and teamwork that involve practice. And constant improvement. So, maybe teach a deep roster WR/RB to hold?  Sure he might be able to get the necessary reps. But they you have one extra ST player on your active roster who normally would be a healthy inactive. 

excellent. I hadn't read your post when I wrote mine. Very well put.

 

m

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

7 minutes ago, Doc said:

For whom?  Haack or Araiza?

I skipped a bunch of pages and glanced over a few pages and skipped a few more 

 

the conversation was about Blocked punts against Utah IIRC. 

Were people blaming Araiza?

 

24 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

What? Hey RIP Van... Have you been sleeping 😴 thru The Revolution! 😉 😜 

asleep at the wheel. Doh 🙄 

[Ralonzo]

27 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

What? Hey RIP Van... Have you been sleeping 😴 thru The Revolution! 😉 😜 

 

The Revolution will not be televised.

 

Mostly because NFL Network always cuts to commercial right before The Revolution.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

2 hours ago, Rigotz said:

 

Looks like someone doesn’t know the rules.

Teams can protect up to 3 players on the practice squad.

he would need to make it to the PS for us to protect him. If we had to cut him, I suspect he might get signed elsewhere first. 
 

That said, maybe my fears over him

not working out as a holder are inflated, in light of the Bojo experience. 

[Kirby Jackson]

1 hour ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

When did backup QB’s stop holding?

 

 

How much extra time does it take from a backup?

 

It has stopped as practice times have been cut back with the CBA. All 3 phases practice simultaneously now. The specialists are working together while the others are practicing. I don’t know how to make it work but I’m sure that you could. It just isn’t something that anyone else is doing.

[Mr. WEO]

has anyone seen him play?

[without a drought]

22 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

has anyone seen him play?

No, but when he was warming up before the air force game last year, a ball got away from him in the mountain air and ended up in my back yard. He came over to get it, seemed looked a nice enough kid.

[nucci]

42 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

It has stopped as practice times have been cut back with the CBA. All 3 phases practice simultaneously now. The specialists are working together while the others are practicing. I don’t know how to make it work but I’m sure that you could. It just isn’t something that anyone else is doing.

where have you been?

[oldschoolfootball1963]

There is no other fan base that can get a punter thread almost 25 pages long. We truly are the best. God speed to the punt Jesus 

Go Bills 

[Kirby Jackson]

24 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

has anyone seen him play?

Not in person but caught a couple of his games last year. It’s crazy to watch. We’ve heard of “outkicking the coverage.” He “outkicks the returners” at times. 
 

https://youtu.be/OafZBFXyg-M

2 minutes ago, nucci said:

where have you been?

Lol, I pop in from time to time. This place was just so toxic for a while that I chose to stay away.

[muppy]

8 minutes ago, without a drought said:

No, but when he was warming up before the air force game last year, a ball got away from him in the mountain air and ended up in my back yard. He came over to get it, seemed looked a nice enough kid.

Colo Spgs is the Bomb. Ive been to many Air Force academy games. Gorgeous campus . I loved that town as a resident back in the late 80's

[DJB]

Has Beane spoken about this kid yet? And any mention about concerns with holding or anything? 

[Luka]

The Josh Allen of punters. We know he can kick it out of the stadium, but can he develop the touch and nuance needed to keep it out of the end zone? 

[harryS]

2 hours ago, UKBillFan said:

I think Beane said Bass and Ferguson would be helping Arazia in terms of holding. I remember referencing it at the time, why Haack wouldn’t help too. Especially as, in the same comment, Beane called him an elite holder.

 

Haack:  Okay, young Araiza.  This is Holding Lesson #1.  I'm going to teach you a hand-strengthening exercise.  First, splay all your fingers out on that table there.

 

Araiza:  That's weird but okay.  Hey, is that a mallet you're holding in your hand?

 

Haack:  .....  Nope.  This is also not me raising it over my head.

 

 

Edited May 1, 2022 by harryS

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Doc]

51 minutes ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

I skipped a bunch of pages and glanced over a few pages and skipped a few more 

 

the conversation was about Blocked punts against Utah IIRC. 

Were people blaming Araiza?

 

Moon was saying he doesn't like Araiza because he's a 3-step punter, because it can lead to blocked punts, and pointed to that game, which is the only game in which he had a blocked punt (2 of them, one partially).  Looking at how they happened, one was a rusher coming in untouched and the other was a high and short snap that caused him to leap forward and bring him closer to the blockers.

[Motorin']

2 hours ago, Doc said:

 

If he can't hold, no one will want him.  But Bojo is the first punter I've ever seen/heard of that had trouble holding, much less doing that "we're fake punting this, right?  Right?"  I think it's more mental with Bojo.

 

If Araiza can pick the ball out of the air while receiving the ball to punt, he's got the hardest part of holding down.  The rest is a matter of practice.

 

 

For whom?  Haack or Araiza?

 

Arazia didn't hold bc he was the kicker first. He's a multi-sport athlete and has been training with former NFL kickers this off-season on his holding. He'll be fine. 

18 minutes ago, DJB said:

Has Beane spoken about this kid yet? And any mention about concerns with holding or anything? 

 

Yeah, Beane said he's been practicing holding the ball with his schlong. But he doesn't have any length or wingspan issues, so he's all set. 

[DCofNC]

His leg is insane and as an emergency place kicker, he’s a great option too.  Really interesting player, but definitely has some work ahead of him to win the job.  He will have to prove he can hold and he’s going to have to tweak his punts for hang time vs raw distance.  No reason to believe he can’t do both, I just hope he can do it in time for cut downs.  I’d hate to see another pick cut and snatched up elsewhere who goes on to perform well.  Great risk/reward for a 6th.

[BuffaloBillsGospel2014]

You have to love this comment by Matt Araiza! Someone get me a table!!!