Novak returns

[PennSkinsFan]

beat me to this ("][/URL]Posted at 2:45 PM ET, 10/10/2006

Breaking Nick Novak News

Attempting to enter the breaking news racket, the Bog is now reporting, via Washington Post staff writer Howard Bryant, that the Redskins appear to have picked Nick Novak as the replacement for injured kicker John Hall, and also that former New York Giants punter Sean Landeta appeared to be working out for the team as well. Howard's story will be up shortly.
UPDATE: LaCa blogger [URL="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2006/10/guess_whos_back_back_again.html) by maybe nine minutes. This reminds me of last night at the Wizards game, when Post staff writer Michael Lee (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2006/10/raptors_bosh_part_of_nbas_late.html)and I both entered the Raptors locker room in search of the same blog item.









according to the Washington Post sports blog

[Redskin4Life]

Okay, so I understand why they went with Novak but WHY SEAN "OLDER THAN MORTEN ANDERSON" LANDETA?!?!?

[PennSkinsFan]

Guess Who's Back, Back Again
So the word is that Novak is the new kicker. We'll see if we get an official annoucnement any time soon.

it took three straight years of leg problems for Coach Joe to cut the cord with Hall, but it seems like it's finally happened.

By Jason La Canfora | October 10, 2006; 2:35 PM ET

[BurgundyNGold]

Okay, so I understand why they went with Novak but WHY SEAN "OLDER THAN MORTEN ANDERSON" LANDETA?!?!?
Because we're not pleased with DERRICK "WORSE THAN A CADAVER" FROST.

[CNYSkinFan]

wooo hoooo!!!! that is all I got to say....wooo hoo


and double good news about Landetta. I wonder if Gibbs finally got tired of the excuses from the Special teams and just pulled the trigger on this.

[IndianBaller27]

THANK YOU!

[CNYSkinFan]

Okay, so I understand why they went with Novak but WHY SEAN "OLDER THAN MORTEN ANDERSON" LANDETA?!?!?
have you seen Frost shank punts twice in the last two games when punting in pressure situations? I rather have an older punter who can get it done then a young guy who can't.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Because we're not pleased with DERRICK "WORSE THAN A CADAVER" FROST.
So the race is between a guy who is as old as a cadaver and another guy who is worse than one? Interesting....

[akhhorus]

wooo hoooo!!!! that is all I got to say....wooo hoo


and double good news about Landetta. I wonder if Gibbs finally got tired of the excuses from the Special teams and just pulled the trigger on this.

Could also be a way to send a message to the team without causing much upheaval: Do your job or you're gone too.

[bgforever]

So the race is between a guy who is as old as a cadaver and another guy who is worse than one? Interesting....

Too funny! :lol1:

Interesting to say the least, we'll see how it goes, and goes, and..

[Redskin4Life]

have you seen Frost shank punts twice in the last two games when punting in pressure situations? I rather have an older punter who can get it done then a young guy who can't.
I have to admit I missed the last game... thank goodness... but from what I saw of Frost, he was looking good (except for that second punt in a row because of a penalty that I STILL don't understand... giving JAX a chance to switch personnel??!?!??).

Was he that bad against NYG? His stats for the game didn't seem so (41-42 yrds a punt average and one inside the 20).

[CNYSkinFan]

Could also be a way to send a message to the team without causing much upheaval: Do your job or you're gone too.
I agree. This is a great move and I applaud it highly.

[BurgundyNGold]

So the race is between a guy who is as old as a cadaver and another guy who is worse than one? Interesting....
Yep, that's pretty much it. Grampa has some kick left though, lol.

[DoGood]

I suppose this is good news...

Unfortunately, we have more problems than just special teams.

[PennSkinsFan]

"I'm the guy," Novak said. "I just have to pass the physical."

from the new Post story

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101000669.html

[AliBabba]

I am smiling for the first time today -- EAR TO EAR BABY!!

[CNYSkinFan]

I have to admit I missed the last game... thank goodness... but from what I saw of Frost, he was looking good (except for that second punt in a row because of a penalty that I STILL don't understand... giving JAX a chance to switch personnel??!?!??).

Was he that bad against NYG? His stats for the game didn't seem so (41-42 yrds a punt average and one inside the 20).
His stats weren't bad but he did another shank job when punting from the short end of the field. I just do not think he handles pressure all that well.

[bgforever]

from the new Post story

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101000669.html

Man, Mr. Bodacious himself, LIVE IN LIVING COLOR. "I am the guy".

OK, lets ee what ya got :D

[PennSkinsFan]

Excellent new IMO, because we shoudl have never cut Novak for Hall in the first place!

[Redskin4Life]

His stats weren't bad but he did another shank job when punting from the short end of the field. I just do not think he handles pressure all that well.
Well, if Landetta has mastery of the "angled punt", I'm all for getting rid of Frosty the Shankman...

[BurgundyNGold]

Excellent new IMO, because we shoudl have never cut Novak for Hall in the first place!
That's true. You don.t often get a chance to attone for a mistake.

[AliBabba]

Excellent new IMO, because we shoudl have never cut Novak for Hall in the first place!
i agree completely

[redskin_rich]

While I'm satisfied the staff finally tired of dealing with the gimpy legged Hall, albeit 7 months later than I would have, I'm not feeling all the excitement that some of you are.

[CNYSkinFan]

Some are going to point out that he had short kickoffs when here but that was by design. remember AZ kept him last year for KO purposes only as Rackers recovered from injury and he did pretty well there.

[DoGood]

As others have said, maybe this will serve as a "kick in the pants" to the team.

[CNYSkinFan]

While I'm satisfied the staff finally tired of dealing with the gimpy legged Hall, albeit 7 months later than I would have, I'm not feeling all the excitement that some of you are.
Hey when it is dark a brief spec of light is cause for excitement.

[AliBabba]

While I'm satisfied the staff finally tired of dealing with the gimpy legged Hall, albeit 7 months later than I would have, I'm not feeling all the excitement that some of you are.
I am just as happy about the news that there is another punter at Fedex today too. I don't believe that Novak is one of the league's best kickers but this is the FO taking a step in righting the ship.

[silverspring]

I am just as happy about the news that there is another punter at Fedex today too. I don't believe that Novak is one of the league's best kickers but this is the FO taking a step in righting the ship.

I just hope they learn from this and fire danny smith.

[Dolla Bill]

Great news with Novak. Now....is Novak doing KO, FG's, or both?

[oldskinfan]

While we're talking punters, Sauerbrun is also available. Would we consider him? It's not like the beat his wife or sold crack cocaine or anything....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2619596

I love this Shanahan quote about Sauerbrun supposedly taking ephedra:

"He's the only guy on the team which I don't care if he's fat. I don't care if he's 30 pounds overweight," he said. "All you've got to do is punt the ball. Kick it into the end zone."

[BurgundyNGold]

Great news with Novak. Now....is Novak doing KO, FG's, or both?
Both, I would assume.

[bgforever]

Both, I would assume.

I was under the impression, that was what had to be in order to replace the previous punter, otherwise.....

[Dolla Bill]

Both, I would assume.

They kept both Novak and Hall last year when Hall was hurt, correct? They never put Hall on IR and then they cut Novak when Hall was "healthy". For some reason, I thought they had Novak as a KO specialist and do FG as well. Man, my brain isn't what it used to be as of yesterday.

[CNYSkinFan]

I was under the impression, that was what had to be in order to replace the previous punter, otherwise.....
Novak is a fg kicker so it is possible Frost, if he stays, will do KOs

[shally]

wooo hoooo!!!! that is all I got to say....wooo hoo


and double good news about Landetta. I wonder if Gibbs finally got tired of the excuses from the Special teams and just pulled the trigger on this.

amen.. finally the punting is manned by a professional, if true

[shally]

Both, I would assume.
and who is the holder now? i do not know if landeta is a holder ?

[BurgundyNGold]

and who is the holder now? i do not know if landeta is a holder ?
Frost is, unless he sign Landetta tp replace him. Man, that Frost is stuck in there like an Alabama tick, isn't he?

[skinfan43]

While we're talking punters, Sauerbrun is also available. Would we consider him? It's not like the beat his wife or sold crack cocaine or anything....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2619596

I love this Shanahan quote about Sauerbrun supposedly taking ephedra:

"He's the only guy on the team which I don't care if he's fat. I don't care if he's 30 pounds overweight," he said. "All you've got to do is punt the ball. Kick it into the end zone."
This is the guy I want punting for us...Plays physical during returns, too. Could probably kick off no problem, and isn't a grandpa.
That said, if we go w/Landetta that's ok too, he's been consistently good.

[Dolla Bill]

This is the guy I want punting for us...Plays physical during returns, too. Could probably kick off no problem, and isn't a grandpa.
That said, if we go w/Landetta that's ok too, he's been consistently good.


There goes that C word that we are looking for around here. If he at least does that, that takes away one of the problems.

[1stdownguy]

Novak was great for us when we needed him before. Great for the Cards and great for the Terps...Welcome back Nick

[Redskinfan28]

FWIW, Sauerbrun is one of the best kickoff guys in the league, and he is available.......

[Skinz4lyfe]

Yet Danny Smith didn't see this one coming? :rolleyes: Geez!! How he is still employed is beyond me.

[GolfFreak]

Yeah - the season is saved!!!

[DoGood]

I don't see how the trainers didn't forsee Hall getting a "tired leg" long ago. I mean, its week 5! How did they expect him to last through a whole season?

[shally]

I don't see how the trainers didn't forsee Hall getting a "tired leg" long ago. I mean, its week 5! How did they expect him to last through a whole season?

denial.. the same thing happened with conway

[Dolla Bill]

denial.. the same thing happened with conway


All you sports medicine graduates, brush up on your resume because I think there will be many openings after this season.

[Slobberknocker]

Just a thought... maybe allowing Hall to kick off again was a "make or break" move to push him now before the season went on. I've felt the whole time he returned that something was wrong but that he was sliding by with push kicks -- sorta the way Philip Rivers throws the ball only with less oomph. Hall might have kept on with the routine if not for returning to kickoff duties. Thank goodness is all I can say.

Now -- let's lock in with Novak and give him some latitude. I do NOT want a missed kick to start another round of kicking woes-what will we do? nonsense.

I believe Novak will settle in and be the guy for years if given the chance. After watching him boot a 53 yarder for Arizona I only wished there was a way to get the guy back. Now he is. And gracious me, I hope he stays!

Anybody know whom he beat out? I betcha the punting rumors have everything to do with kickoffs. I'm switching sports here but it's like a manager pulling a two-for-one.

Good golly, miss Molly -- a proactive move (that comes 7 months late, but heck, I'll take it).

Welcome back, Nick. We sure did miss ya!

[CarMike]

too bad Danny Smith is still the ST coach.

[Skins57]

too bad Danny Smith is still the ST coach.


Just a shot in the dark but could someone like Brian Mitchell be brought in to replace Smith????Just a pipe dream I guess

Anyway so was Hall cut or just put on IR or neither?

[MPCSkins]

I'm just glad anyone is replacing Hall. I think half of the team could've been more consistent field goal kickers than this guy. After Novak drills one, we won't have to get the nerves everytime our field goal team comes on the field.

[BIGSEF3]

I'm just glad anyone is replacing Hall. I think half of the team could've been more consistent field goal kickers than this guy. After Novak drills one, we won't have to get the nerves everytime our field goal team comes on the field.

I'd be happy if we signed a 3year old girl to replace Hall. Blame it on whatever you want - He's just not reliable. If he had made that FG which should have been a chipshot for someone of his alleged caliber, it could have kept some momentum going for us. If there has ever been a truer fit on this team for the phrase, "good ridance to bad rubbish," I never knew it. Glad to have Novak back!

[Slobberknocker]

Who Novak beat out: (from the Post story)

The team brought out a host of potential replacements for Hall, including former Redskin Jose Cortez, former Falcon Todd Peterson and training camp cut Tyler Jones.

That tells me Novak is our guy, and proly should have been our guy since stepping on the field. Let's hope he brings some stability to the kicking game because everyone knows you need good kicking to win up here. :rolleyes:

Hope kickoffs get inside the 10 at least...

[Axegrinder]

Who Novak beat out: (from the Post story)

The team brought out a host of potential replacements for Hall, including former Redskin Jose Cortez, former Falcon Todd Peterson and training camp cut Tyler Jones.

That tells me Novak is our guy, and proly should have been our guy since stepping on the field. Let's hope he brings some stability to the kicking game because everyone knows you need good kicking to win up here. :rolleyes:

Hope kickoffs get inside the 10 at least...
I agree and I hope that Hall ends up in Canada with Ricky.

[BIGSEF3]

Who Novak beat out: (from the Post story)

The team brought out a host of potential replacements for Hall, including former Redskin Jose Cortez, former Falcon Todd Peterson and training camp cut Tyler Jones.

That tells me Novak is our guy, and proly should have been our guy since stepping on the field. Let's hope he brings some stability to the kicking game because everyone knows you need good kicking to win up here. :rolleyes:

Hope kickoffs get inside the 10 at least...

Agree with you, but according to pastabelly, Frost may continue kickoff duties. Now denver cut a punter today as well....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2620413

[Rogers_Redskins]

I think we should go with Todd SauerBraun(SP). He played well for Denver.

[santanadasavior]

As long as we have a kicker who can make kicks at important times. I don't care if he's 8 for 10 or whatever he is, if he cannot make kicks because of confidence, he cannot be successful. All of his kicks would have been good from 50 if they were on line, that tells me it's mental, not physical.

[Skaggsrules]

I like Novak, but I would've loved to have seen "Clutch" Connor Hughes kicking for the Burgundy and Gold

[santanadasavior]

I like Novak, but I would've loved to have seen "Clutch" Connor Hughes kicking for the Burgundy and Gold

Where is that guy anyways, he was good at UVA.

[Skaggsrules]

He was signed by New Orleanas after the draft, but for some strange reason they stuck with Carney, he's still a FA

[LATrueRedskin]

I hope Novak can come through for us in big situations.

[shally]

All you sports medicine graduates, brush up on your resume because I think there will be many openings after this season.

not for all the money in the world.. you are second guessed constantly.. even the great ones have to put up with unbelievable BS.. i am content to be a grumpy fan and second guess those guys...:lol1:

[ryflan47]

Nick's our guy!!!

[PA Skins Girl]

What's everyone so happy about? I'd rather have a veteran kicker. I'm really concerned about this position now.

And I still have heard the resolution on Hall. As far as I know, he's still on the team. They may cut someone else to make room for Novak, which doesnt make me happy either.

[ryflan47]

What's everyone so happy about? I'd rather have a veteran kicker. I'm really concerned about this position now.

And I still have heard the resolution on Hall. As far as I know, he's still on the team. They may cut someone else to make room for Novak, which doesnt make me happy either.

Or Salave'a may go to the IR.. it's a stretch but it may happen.

[PA Skins Girl]

Or Salave'a may go to the IR.. it's a stretch but it may happen.
hmmmm... Big decisions to make at Redskins Park.

[ryflan47]

hmmmm... Big decisions to make at Redskins Park.

Yeah, seems like coach Joe shook the tree a bit today.

[ryflan47]

This Landetta thing is kinda funny, the Redskins automatically signed him to kick in my Madden franchise.

[Vonslydog]

I will never understand this board's fascination with Nick Novak. I just can't get excited about a guy who's career long is 40 yards, and has had 2 out of 10 of his kicks blocked (from inside of 40). Someone please explain what I'm missing. Is it because he's "local"? He seems worse than mediocre to me.

[redskin_rich]

What's everyone so happy about? I'd rather have a veteran kicker. I'm really concerned about this position now.

And I still have heard the resolution on Hall. As far as I know, he's still on the team. They may cut someone else to make room for Novak, which doesnt make me happy either.
Hall is going on IR.

[ryflan47]

Hall is going on IR.

Is this reported or a prediction?

[BurgundyNGold]

Yeah - the season is saved!!!
:lol1:

[BurgundyNGold]

Hall is going on IR.
And he'll be cut after the season in all likelihood.

[FunBunch5]

Is Hall the last of the Spurrier era? I know their is Jansen and Samuels from the Norv era. What I find interesting is many of the big name players from those times were major underachievers and Gibbs has methodically gotten rid of them.

[becky]

Who Novak beat out: (from the Post story)

The team brought out a host of potential replacements for Hall, including former Redskin Jose Cortez, former Falcon Todd Peterson and training camp cut Tyler Jones.



Jose Cuervo? Thank god we did not get him, I used to make fun of him mercilessly when he was a cowboy and I really never would have lived that down.

I'm glad we got Nick back if for no other reason than that I know he was/is excited to be a Redskin. And no one else really played like that last Sunday, so it will be nice to see that spark.

[ryflan47]

Is Hall the last of the Spurrier era? I know their is Jansen and Samuels from the Norv era. What I find interesting is many of the big name players from those times were major underachievers and Gibbs has methodically gotten rid of them.

Was Thomas part of the Spurrier era?

[Chief Seeway]

denial.. the same thing happened with conway

Hello?

[whitskins]

I will never understand this board's fascination with Nick Novak. I just can't get excited about a guy who's career long is 40 yards, and has had 2 out of 10 of his kicks blocked (from inside of 40). Someone please explain what I'm missing. Is it because he's "local"? He seems worse than mediocre to me.

I feel the same way about Novak's undying support, but I have about as much confidence in Novak as I do Hall at this point, even before news of his injury broke.

At least at this point we get an 11 game audition for a real young guy who may have a future here. If he doesn't then it's not a huge loss. Hall's career is clearly over so at least we're getting a chance to see a guy with some potential upside for an extended period of time. That's basically how I'm putting a silver lining on the situation.

[redskin_rich]

Is this reported or a prediction?
Reported, I just read a press release on the official board.
Is Hall the last of the Spurrier era? I know their is Jansen and Samuels from the Norv era. What I find interesting is many of the big name players from those times were major underachievers and Gibbs has methodically gotten rid of them.Of the free agents, Randy Thomas and Renaldo Wynn and Ade Jimoh are still here. Of the draftee's, Dockery, Rock and Betts are still here.

[Chief Seeway]

I will never understand this board's fascination with Nick Novak. I just can't get excited about a guy who's career long is 40 yards, and has had 2 out of 10 of his kicks blocked (from inside of 40). Someone please explain what I'm missing. Is it because he's "local"? He seems worse than mediocre to me.

Got me. I'd guess "local" has a lot to do with it. Just in this thread alone he was a KO specialist... then a FG specialist... oh and no holder. He can hold for himself.

I think we are worse off on teams now than we were yesterday.

[shally]

I feel the same way about Novak's undying support, but I have about as much confidence in Novak as I do Hall at this point, even before news of his injury broke.

At least at this point we get an 11 game audition for a real young guy who may have a future here. If he doesn't then it's not a huge loss. Hall's career is clearly over so at least we're getting a chance to see a guy with some potential upside for an extended period of time. That's basically how I'm putting a silver lining on the situation.

exactly as i see it.. if it works out we have a kicker for 5 years or more.. if not, we can look for the real deal this off season.. hall is finished one way or the other..

[redskin_rich]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Novak will wear the number 3. I'm not sure how I feel about that but then, they did let Jeff George wear it.

[Vonslydog]

Reported, I just read a press release on the official board.
Here's the link that says Hall is on IR
http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=20778
Novak will take over place kicking duties for John Hall, who was placed on injured reserve.

[CarMike]

I didn't read the entire thread, but I was reminded of something that is a little worrisome. Novak was 8-10. His two misses were from 38 and 39 yards. Both were blocked.

[Biggie]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Novak will wear the number 3. I'm not sure how I feel about that but then, they did let Jeff George wear it.

If Moseley doesn't have a problem...

[skinsfan36]

interesting we made a practice squad move and got rid of cj brooks and signed offensive lineman nick stietz a rookie that the patriots cut

[redskin_rich]

I didn't read the entire thread, but I was reminded of something that is a little worrisome. Novak was 8-10. His two misses were from 38 and 39 yards. Both were blocked.
It takes me a year to warm to an unknown Kicker. So I will be crossing my fingers and holding my breath whenever he attempts a FG this year. Hopefully, he will give us all a reason to trust him.
I had already lost faith in Hall anyways though.

[PA Skins Girl]

Well, since it's official, I'll give my 100% support to the kid.

[PA Skins Girl]

Just dropped Hall from my fantasy team and added Novak.

No-vak No-vak No-vak!!!

[BigPlayJay]

Novak shows promise. His kickoffs were awful. I think this is only an upgrade because it takes the uncertainty of Hall's week to week health out of the equation. Hopefully they won't try to go with Hall again next year. If Novak isn't the answer then we need to look elsewhere.

By the way Novak wore the #3 last time with us.

[santanadasavior]

I didn't see anything that could have just "happened" that would have led to a season ending injury to John Hall. I think it is a reoccuring problem that will never fully go away so I think that this move is for the best.

[BigPlayJay]

Just dropped Hall from my fantasy team and added Novak.

No-vak No-vak No-vak!!!

I am too. I had Hall in two leagues and he was actually doing well this season until last Sunday.

[redskin_rich]

By the way Novak wore the #3 last time with us.
Yeah, I noticed that in the picture. I guess if I didn't bother to notice it last year, I shouldn't be concerned with it now.

[BigPlayJay]

Yeah, I noticed that in the picture. I guess if I didn't bother to notice it last year, I shouldn't be concerned with it now.
Remember Coach Gibbs made a big deal how they were running out of numbers and they were going to have to use some of the ones that hadn't been worn for while. I don't know of any others besides Campbell's 17 that have been broken back out.

[WinnpegSkinsFan]

I didn't see anything that could have just "happened" that would have led to a season ending injury to John Hall. I think it is a reoccuring problem that will never fully go away so I think that this move is for the best.

Correct. It is now time to move on. I beleive Hall has played his last game as a Redskin and probably his career. I just hope Novak can stay healthy!! The Skins have has terrible luck with injuries to kickers of all positions.

[shally]

Correct. It is now time to move on. I beleive Hall has played his last game as a Redskin and probably his career. I just hope Novak can stay healthy!! The Skins have has terrible luck with injuries to kickers of all positions.

been since we had lohmiller that kicker wasn't a position up for grabs every couple of years.. hall was supposed to be the long term answer and he just got old and brittle overnight.. too bad for both him and the team..

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Just dropped Hall from my fantasy team and added Novak.

No-vak No-vak No-vak!!!
funny thing is that i had novak on my autopick draft team. :) im happy nick is back and i would be nervous about him and his inexperience, but i think that game winning kick against seattle last year gave him a bunch of confidence. the skins are going to have to do a better job of blocking on FG attempts and nick is going to have to work on his trajectory on his kicks to avoid blocks.

[shally]

funny thing is that i had novak on my autopick draft team. :) im happy nick is back and i would be nervous about him and his inexperience, but i think that game winning kick against seattle last year gave him a bunch of confidence. the skins are going to have to do a better job of blocking on FG attempts and nick is going to have to work on his trajectory on his kicks to avoid blocks.

he also kicked well for arizona.. i do not believe he had any blocked for them...
he should be settled by now..

[NCskinsfanatic]

Here's an interview with him and he says he's improved his kickoffs and learned a lot from Neil Rackers while in Arizona...http://www.redskins.com/

I think if he has improved his kickoffs and stayed in the shape he alluded to he will probably turn out to be much more than a stop gap, maybe they will give him a two year deal, Hall's already on IR.

[shally]

Here's an interview with him and he says he's improved his kickoffs and learned a lot from Neil Rackers while in Arizona...http://www.redskins.com/

I think if he has improved his kickoffs and stayed in the shape he alluded to he will probably turn out to be much more than a stop gap, maybe they will give him a two year deal, Hall's already on IR.

a lot of incentive for novak.. he has a real chance to be the main man for once.. and lock down a position for years.. it may not come around like this again..

[Vonslydog]

he also kicked well for arizona.. i do not believe he had any blocked for them...
he should be settled by now..
He only kicked three field goals, all 35 yards or less, for Arizona. Is that enough to say he kicked "well"? And with a total of 10 career FG attempts, I see no reason to think he's settled down. I'm not saying he will be terrible, or that it was the wrong move to shut down Hall, but I still don't have the warm and fuzzies that seem to be common today. Hopefully Rackers taught him well. Now THATS a kicker.

[NCskinsfanatic]

a lot of incentive for novak.. he has a real chance to be the main man for once.. and lock down a position for years.. it may not come around like this again..

I agree and it might just work out well for both the skins and the player. We are now officially down to one "pre-Gibbs Jet" in Randy Thomas,I know Hall is on IR but he's probably played his last game in B & G no matter how Novak fares.

[shally]

He only kicked three field goals, all 35 yards or less, for Arizona. Is that enough to say he kicked "well"? And with a total of 10 career FG attempts, I see no reason to think he's settled down. I'm not saying he will be terrible, or that it was the wrong move to shut down Hall, but I still don't have the warm and fuzzies that seem to be common today. Hopefully Rackers taught him well. Now THATS a kicker.

my bad.. i thought he had more than that number.. let's hope he is worth the hope being lavished onhim..

[santanadasavior]

Here's an interview with him and he says he's improved his kickoffs and learned a lot from Neil Rackers while in Arizona...http://www.redskins.com/

I think if he has improved his kickoffs and stayed in the shape he alluded to he will probably turn out to be much more than a stop gap, maybe they will give him a two year deal, Hall's already on IR.

I he learned anything from Neil Rackers that is great. He is one of the best and hopefully we have just found the next Neil Rackers.

[CarMike]

he also kicked well for arizona.. i do not believe he had any blocked for them...
he should be settled by now..
Nope, one blocked on Redskins, and one blocked in Arizona. At least that's what I read earlier...

[smoot]

Nope, one blocked on Redskins, and one blocked in Arizona. At least that's what I read earlier...
im pretty sure both his misses for the redskins were blocked

[starkiller]

Does this remind anyone of a certain famous Jim Carrey movie?

[Vonslydog]

im pretty sure both his misses for the redskins were blocked
I agree. Two blocked for us (5 of 7 here), none (3 for 3) while in AZ.

[Dolla Bill]

I agree. Two blocked for us (5 of 7 here), none (3 for 3) while in AZ.


The middle of the line for the two blocked kicks was blown up. I mean it was a jail break just about.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Official stats from NFL.com.
Novak is 8-10 lifetime (don't know how that merits all this enthusiasm, but anyways..) with a long of 40 yards, and his 2 misses were blocks, both in a Redskins uniform, one in the Seahawks game and one the week later at Denver.

Novak (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/417825/gamelogs/2005)

[hail2skins]

It was reported on 980 yesterday that Hall stormed out of The Park and slammed his car door

[SpicyMcHaggis]

It was reported on 980 yesterday that Hall stormed out of The Park and slammed his car door
Wow. That would be very interesting if true...

[DCassain21]

all i can really say is it's about time

[Dolla Bill]

It was reported on 980 yesterday that Hall stormed out of The Park and slammed his car door


Did the door hit his *spensored* on the way out?

[smoot]

Official stats from NFL.com.
Novak is 8-10 lifetime (don't know how that merits all this enthusiasm, but anyways..) with a long of 40 yards, and his 2 misses were blocks, both in a Redskins uniform, one in the Seahawks game and one the week later at Denver.

Novak (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/417825/gamelogs/2005)
just a note, he was also 2/2 with a long of 50 yards in the preseason

[DoGood]

OK. I can only talk and read about kickers so much.:)

[hockeygoalie29]

just a note, he was also 2/2 with a long of 50 yards in the preseason

I was just about to post that, he hit a 50 yarder in Arizona's preseason game against Chicago.

So it looks like he signed a 3 year contract....

Novak signed a three-year contract two days after Hall, 32, aggravated his groin and right quadriceps during Sunday's 19-3 loss to the New York Giants. Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs said Hall's condition was severe enough that the team needed to act quickly. Immediately following the game, the Redskins' front office began the search to replace Hall. Link (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101000669.html)

[smoot]

So it looks like he signed a 3 year contract....
whoah, thats a whole new spin on things

[Dolla Bill]

whoah, thats a whole new spin on things


Bye Hall is more like it.

[ncg1983]

i hope john hall never shows his face in dc again. what a POS.

[CNYSkinFan]

whoah, thats a whole new spin on things
not much of a spin though. His SB will not be high and contracts in the NFL mean NOTHING, espescially after one year. If he does well this year we will keep him. If not then we will be auditioning kickers again next year.

[hockeygoalie29]

Since he's only played a 1/2 year or so in the NFL, here are some stats and accolades from his days at UMD:

Senior Year
16 for 22 (73%)
9 of 12 from 40+

Junior Year
25 of 30 (83%)
8 of 10 from 40-49
3 of 4 from 50+

Career
76 of 102 (75%)
Leading scorer in ACC history
Tied for 5th in NCAA Division I-A history with 393 career points
Semifinalist for Lou Groza award (nations best kicker) as a sophomore and junior
First-team All-ACC his junior and senior years (honorable mention as a sophmore)

My Favorite
In the last 3 years (spanning his NFL and college career) he's hit 22 of his last 28 kicks from outside 40 yards!
That's an incredible 79%!!!

[CNYSkinFan]

Since he's only played a 1/2 year or so in the NFL, here are some stats and accolades from his days at UMD:

Senior Year
16 for 22 (73%)
9 of 12 from 40+

Junior Year
25 of 30 (83%)
8 of 10 from 40-49
3 of 4 from 50+

Career
76 of 102 (75%)
Leading scorer in ACC history
Tied for 5th in NCAA Division I-A history with 393 career points
Semifinalist for Lou Groza award (nations best kicker) as a sophomore and junior
First-team All-ACC his junior and senior years (honorable mention as a sophmore)

One of my favorites....he's hit 22 of his last 28 kicks from outside 40 yards! That's an incredible 79%!!!
Thanks I was looking for those but got busy at work. Kicking in college is a little different then the pros because of the angles but still if you can boom it from 50 you can boom it in the pros from 50. Adjust to the angles and the pressure and you got it made.

[Raven Rick]

Woo Hoo! Another TERP in the NFL!

Congrats! I think he's going to be a good one for years to come.

[joethefan]

what can I say typical redskins.....when the guy did half well for us last year they let him get out the barn....:banghead: .... I tell you this is so frustrating

[redskinz#1fan]

I don't care who kicks for us, as long as they don't miss! Just don't cost me a game, and you will always be backed by me! But if you do cost me a game.......:sfight:

[golongdude]

Cost you a game? Exactly what is your position on the Washington Redskins payroll?

[redwolf1218]

what can I say typical redskins.....when the guy did half well for us last year they let him get out the barn....:banghead: .... I tell you this is so frustrating
it is incredibly difficult for any newcomer (no matter how impressive), to make it on this team over any incumbent (no matter how lackluster).

[shally]

it is incredibly difficult for any newcomer (no matter how impressive), to make it on this team over any incumbent (no matter how lackluster).

not on every team.. but clearly so onthe skins.. the eagles tend to go the other way and dump their over age 30 players for younger ones

[redwolf1218]

not on every team.. but clearly so onthe skins.. the eagles tend to go the other way and dump their over age 30 players for younger ones
that's what i meant, on the 'skins.

[X-Factor58]

YYYYEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!




WE BROUGHT BACK NOVAK!!!!!!



YYYYEEEAAAHHHHHH BBBBOOOYYYEEEE!!!!!!!!



hahahaha i'm so happy!

[shally]

YYYYEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!




WE BROUGHT BACK NOVAK!!!!!!



YYYYEEEAAAHHHHHH BBBBOOOYYYEEEE!!!!!!!!



hahahaha i'm so happy!

let's just hope that everyone is just as happy at the end of the years as they are now.. it was clearly the time to move on (it was time at the end of last year in reality).. and certainly now novack is the best option out there. he hit 12/12 inthe tryout from what the post said and his kickoffs were deeper.. so sounds good..

only time will tell whether we should have made a run at longwell in the offseason, or if we have a kicker for the next 5 years...

[dabro]

Can we bring a new defense in for tryouts too?

[greatest2]

Good ol nick...another fellow terp who is gettin a shot at the nfl.

Nick will be solid, home team for him, so crowds already with him, hit a game winner (all be it from 39), crowd loves him more. If he can put that kickoff between the 5 and goal line i will be happy.

I think nick is ours for years to come, lets hope the line doesn't allow the other team to block his kicks, and keep em high nick this aint college anymore kid

hail

[shally]

Good ol nick...another fellow terp who is gettin a shot at the nfl.

Nick will be solid, home team for him, so crowds already with him, hit a game winner (all be it from 39), crowd loves him more. If he can put that kickoff between the 5 and goal line i will be happy.

I think nick is ours for years to come, lets hope the line doesn't allow the other team to block his kicks, and keep em high nick this aint college anymore kid

hail

has to be a dream come true for him..... local kid makes it big.. a nice feel good story

[shally]

what can I say typical redskins.....when the guy did half well for us last year they let him get out the barn....:banghead: .... I tell you this is so frustrating


at least we got him back.. more than we can say for some players

[Warpath23]

Bout time

[Dolla Bill]

Bout time


From foxnews.com:

Since being cut by Arizona this summer, Novak had tried out for New Orleans and Green Bay while training at Purdue, where his parents are professors. Novak had driven to Maryland on Saturday to resume working out at his alma mater. On Monday, with Hall having had a weak leg in the previous day's loss at the New York Giants, the Redskins invited Novak to try out on Tuesday. He made all 12 of his kicks, the longest from 53 yards, and also booted six kickoffs to earn the job over veteran Todd Peterson, ex-Redskin Jose Cortez and Tyler Jones, who had been Hall's competition during training camp.

He does have the leg.

[NCskinsfanatic]

From foxnews.com:



He does have the leg.

I heard somewhere, can't remember where, if it was an interview on redskins.com or what but he said he did make all his Fg's and that his deepest kickoff was to the goaline while another hit at the six. They said Cortez put 'em in the endzone almost every time but was less accurate on Fg's...as if we didn't already know that...sheeesh the whole NFL knows that.

[shally]

From foxnews.com:



He does have the leg.

excellent.. the only issue may be trajectory.. hopefully he will not have any more blocked..

[Slobberknocker]

Did anybody else see the +50 yard kick he made this preseason for Arizona? I was stunned. I thought -- man, no way we get this kid back. What a shame...

Now -- did you see we signed him to a 3-year contract? I have a feeling he'll be around awhile. And more power to him, especially on kickoffs.

Folks, let's give 'em a chance. There may be an adjustment period for a game or two... how 'bout instead of "make it you're a hero, miss and you're chopped liver..." how 'bout we let him settle in and then turn up the pressure?

I want consistency with our kicking game, gosh darn it. I want him to have confidence, and for there to be no doubt who the guy will be back there for this year and next year and the next...

I know I'm dreaming but you can't blame a guy for trying...

[ryflan47]

Did anybody else see the +50 yard kick he made this preseason for Arizona? I was stunned. I thought -- man, no way we get this kid back. What a shame...

Now -- did you see we signed him to a 3-year contract? I have a feeling he'll be around awhile. And more power to him, especially on kickoffs.

Folks, let's give 'em a chance. There may be an adjustment period for a game or two... how 'bout instead of "make it you're a hero, miss and you're chopped liver..." how 'bout we let him settle in and then turn up the pressure?

I want consistency with our kicking game, gosh darn it. I want him to have confidence, and for there to be no doubt who the guy will be back there for this year and next year and the next...

I know I'm dreaming but you can't blame a guy for trying...

Boo Hall...
Hooray Novak!!!

I'm willing to give him a chance!

[redwolf1218]

Did anybody else see the +50 yard kick he made this preseason for Arizona? I was stunned. I thought -- man, no way we get this kid back. What a shame...

Now -- did you see we signed him to a 3-year contract? I have a feeling he'll be around awhile. And more power to him, especially on kickoffs.

Folks, let's give 'em a chance. There may be an adjustment period for a game or two... how 'bout instead of "make it you're a hero, miss and you're chopped liver..." how 'bout we let him settle in and then turn up the pressure?

I want consistency with our kicking game, gosh darn it. I want him to have confidence, and for there to be no doubt who the guy will be back there for this year and next year and the next...

I know I'm dreaming but you can't blame a guy for trying...
i hope we score a few TD's early so he can some PAT's to warm up.

[Slobberknocker]

i hope we score a few TD's early so he can some PAT's to warm up.

I hope we score a few TDs early just because. Heck, let's make this a 5 PAT outing for young Nick, whadya say? :)

[redwolf1218]

I hope we score a few TDs early just because. Heck, let's make this a 5 PAT outing for young Nick, whadya say? :)
that would be a perfect tune-up for Novak and a great confidence boost for the team...but the Titans pushed the Colts to a late 14 to 13 game, and that's not the only time they have lost a close game. i am not looking past them at all. they are getting better and they are due. i'm really scared of them.

[shally]

that would be a perfect tune-up for Novak and a great confidence boost for the team...but the Titans pushed the Colts to a late 14 to 13 game, and that's not the only time they have lost a close game. i am looking past them at all. they are getting better and they are due. i'm really scared of them.

should be okay.. but they cannot be overlooked

[redwolf1218]

should be okay.. but they cannot be overlooked
everyone keeps talking like they are a tune-up game to be overlooked. i hate that. no one is a tune up.

does anyone remember when Dallas went 1 and 15, and their only win was against the Redskins?

[Slobberknocker]

i'm really scared of them.

I'm not scared of anybody. But I'm not looking past them by any means.

[redskin_rich]

everyone keeps talking like they are a tune-up game to be overlooked. i hate that. no one is a tune up.

does anyone remember when Dallas went 1 and 15, and their only win was against the Redskins?
I definitely don't see any game as a tune up. I think this is a game we should win but there is no way in Hades that I would bet on it. We are a struggling team and they will pull out all the stops to get a win. I could easily see them gaining confidence if we make a mistake. I hate playing teams like this, to be truthful.

[shally]

everyone keeps talking like they are a tune-up game to be overlooked. i hate that. no one is a tune up.

does anyone remember when Dallas went 1 and 15, and their only win was against the Redskins?

they need a win, so they will be looking to hang one on the skins.. the longer we let them hang around, the more dangerous they will become inthe 4th quarter.. like the oakland game last year .. we turned what should have been an easy win into a loss...

[Patrick]

Novak returns to Skins on the week the Terps play the Cav's .......... hmmmmmm - must be a sign.
Good Week For The SKINS and TERPS .......... ;)

[redskinz#1fan]

Novak returns to Skins on the week the Terps play the Cav's .......... hmmmmmm - must be a sign.
Good Week For The SKINS and TERPS .......... ;)


Whatever works Patrick! I'll take a win anyway I can get it.