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Title: Dolphins' kicker provides a boost Post by: DolFan619 on August 17, 2008, 02:26:55 am http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/645433.html
Dolphins' kicker provides a boost BY JOSEPH GOODMAN Miami Herald The Dolphins made a significant effort to strengthen their special teams over the offseason. After the second exhibition game, the team's punt- and kickoff-coverage skills are lacking, but the new kicker remains perfect. Recently promoted rookie kicker Dan Carpenter hasn't missed a field-goal attempt in two games (6 for 6), supplying evidence that the Dolphins' decision to cut veteran kicker Jay Feely was sound. Feely, who made 21 of 23 field-goal attempts last season, was released Tuesday. According to Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, Carpenter outperformed Feely during training camp. Carpenter certainly looked the part Saturday in Jacksonville. He made four field goals in a 19-14 victory against the Jaguars, including two kicks from more than 40 yards. After making 2 of 2 field-goal tries against the Buccaneers during the exhibition opener, Carpenter has now accounted for 76 percent of the Dolphins' total scoring in two games. His second field goal of the first half (a 47-yarder) came with four seconds left and gave the Dolphins a 13-0 lead. Distance, apparently, is not going to be a problem for Carpenter. The kick easily split the uprights and appeared to clear the crossbar by about 15 feet. Despite his solid start, Carpenter said it would be premature to get comfortable as the starter. ''The way I see it, I'm just one week away from getting cut every week,'' he said. ``But it is nice to know they believe in you enough to be the guy.'' Before Saturday's 47-yarder, Carpenter gave the Dolphins a 10-0 lead near the beginning of the second quarter with a 31-yard field goal. Carpenter, who went undrafted out of Montana, made kicks of 41 and 47 yards against Tampa Bay last week. Carpenter, who signed with the Dolphins on May 1, made 75 of 103 field-goal attempts for Montana and graduated as the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision career leader in field goals and points scored (413) by a kicker. Carpenter's third field goal (44 yards) came with 3:07 left in the third quarter and gave the Dolphins a 16-0 lead. Of Carpenter's first six field goals, four have been longer than 40 yards. He also made a 37-yarder with 7:31 left in the game. Although Carpenter was the model of preseason perfection Tuesday, other aspects of the Dolphins' special teams need improvement. Punt coverage was a problem for the Dolphins last week, and that trend continued Saturday against the Jaguars. A 15-yard penalty was called on Patrick Cobbs for interfering with a punt returner. Perhaps more egregious was the kickoff defense. Jaguars kickoff return specialist Brian Witherspoon broke two long gains (31 and 40 yards) against the Dolphins. That is frustrating news for Miami, which signed several players over the summer to bolster special teams. Title: Re: Dolphins' kicker provides a boost Post by: Rick on August 17, 2008, 11:19:05 am http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/645433.html I really like this kid and his attitude.... his booming kicks are also very impressive ;DDespite his solid start, Carpenter said it would be premature to get comfortable as the starter. ''The way I see it, I'm just one week away from getting cut every week,'' he said. ``But it is nice to know they believe in you enough to be the guy.'' Title: Re: Dolphins' kicker provides a boost Post by: dolphins4life on August 17, 2008, 06:27:54 pm Do it in the regular season before you win over me
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