Mike Vanderjagt

[The Hogster]

I am posting this in Hogwash since he is not currently on any other NFL roster, and our kicker bounced one off the upright and shanked a kickoff out of bounds in the same game.

Not that I am abandoning Suisham. I would love to have a good, strong young kicker become a mainstay like Lohmiller was for us in the past. However, this post is more to see what the heck the scoop is on Vanderjagt.

How can one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history not be on a roster. Is there some off the field, or disciplinary issue with him? Is he severely injured?

I know he was a turf kicker, but there are a lot of dome/turf teams who could use a kicker and he's nowhere to be found. Sure he was cut by Parcells, but Parcells has a history of cutting kickers.

Anyone know whats up with him and if the Skins should bring him in to compete with Suisham?

[skinz74]

Voted yes...the competition might light a fire...win/win...

[LOSTHOG]

One thing that did impress me last night was the kickoffs at the end of the game, one at goal line, and one 5 yards deep. That is something you will never get with Vanderjagt.

[Gibbs4Life]

Vanderjagt's reputation is not good. He's an idiot basically, gets drunk before games etc. etc.

[frankcal20]

I say no. First we have give him a contract. also he is known for folding under pressure and he isnt a good locker room guy.

[frankcal20]

I say no. First we have give him a contract. also he is known for folding under pressure and he isnt a good locker room guy.

[HailSkins94]

I was about to post something about this...To me this is my BIGGEST concern with all of camp. We have no competition at punter or kicker. You would think we would have probowlers in both spots! To me this is a big mistake to not even have someone else in both positions at least giving frost and suisham aa run. I think this could come back to bite us in the ass and we might be looking for a kicker again come week #4 or so. (Just like the past couple of years).

[Countertrey]

I say no. While it would be good to put some pressure on Suisham, I don't want it done with a toxic waste of human genetic material.

[num1skinsfan]

I say bring him in. Kickers are a funny breed, they need seasoning to handle their roles on the team. They work out basicly by themselves, and most players view them as "non footballers". Vanderjagt was spot on accurate for 2 years, but got his confidence shaken and he was young and shot his mouth off. He then get's thrown to Parcells (the wolves), lets see what he's got. He might NOW have what it takes, god forbid he has a lot to prove. Wouldn't it play out nice kicking the game winner against Dallas with a Skins uniform on..... (-:

[The Hogster]

I remember him being labled Vander-jerk by the Patriots players, namely Rodney Harrison...but he is a career 86.5 percent kicker. Thats pretty impressive. The mindboggling thing about it is that none of the 32 NFL teams want this guy....there must be something beneath the surface.

Someone mentioned alcohol, there may be a bit more to that because those numbers are worth the risk of bringing in a jerk kicker.

My hopes are that Suisham is the real deal. Derrick Frost has played well enough to keep his job.

He may have leveled the biggest hit of the game too.

[HardDawg]

WHY DO WE WANT OLD COWGIRL KICKERS. Suisham is an ex-girl...and sucks....Vanderjagt is a douchbag. I'd rather see Mark Moseley come out of retirement...

[ChocolateMilk]

i agree with hogster... there has got to be something they arent telling us. i mean the guy went from an amazing kicker to missing that kick in the pittsburg game to being a total bum on the cowboys. i mean something must have happend

[andyjens89]

where is the option "HELL YES" we need this guy, i dont care if he is a cancer, lock him up in a cage and bring him and his 87 career fg % out when we need him, we dont need "i can only kick 32 yard or less fgs" suisham, he is a bum whether you guys like it or not

[HEROHAMO]

I remember him being labled Vander-jerk by the Patriots players, namely Rodney Harrison...but he is a career 86.5 percent kicker. Thats pretty impressive. The mindboggling thing about it is that none of the 32 NFL teams want this guy....there must be something beneath the surface.

Someone mentioned alcohol, there may be a bit more to that because those numbers are worth the risk of bringing in a jerk kicker.

My hopes are that Suisham is the real deal. Derrick Frost has played well enough to keep his job.

He may have leveled the biggest hit of the game too.

How about Vander Jack A!! LOL. Anyhow I think he is good in the season games. He is just not clutch, when the game is on the line lets say a forty yard field goal to win. I would not bet money on him making it. Remember the Colts vs Steelers game? I prefer a clutch guy.

All I have to say is this. Imagine we are one win away from a playoff birth. We are playing our hated rivals the cowboys for a spot in the playoffs. It is the fourth quarter , one second on the clock fourth down and we need a forty yard field goal to win. Mike Vandejack is preparing on the sideline getting his practice kicks away. Dallas calls the timeout to freeze Vanderjagt. The Crowd is roaring you can barely hear a thing. Timeout done now the teams lineup for the final play. Sweat dripping down Vanderjagts head as he is waiting for the snap. No eye of the tiger look in his eye just a look fear and uncertainty. The Redskins faithfull all have there fingers crossed, some praying on there knees, some holding there breath, some kissing there new born babys for good luck, some guzzling the last beer hoping somehow the kick is made. HIKE! The kick is away! IT LOOKS LIKE OH! you make the call.

Are you really comfortable letting Vanderjegt be your kicker in this type of moment? These type of moments define a team as a loser or winner.

Remember The Giants vs Bills? Patriots vs Rams? SuperBowl classics.

I say Heck no! He has proven to be a decent kicker. Not clutch performer. I say we just try to find a hidden gem. Or get a VET adam Vinaterri, Morten Anderson anyone who is proven himself. Or grow our own talent by doing some good scouting. There is plenty of talent in the college ranks. "You cant teach an old dog new tricks."

[The Hogster]

I remember him being labled Vander-jerk by the Patriots players, namely Rodney Harrison...but he is a career 86.5 percent kicker. Thats pretty impressive. The mindboggling thing about it is that none of the 32 NFL teams want this guy....there must be something beneath the surface.

Someone mentioned alcohol, there may be a bit more to that because those numbers are worth the risk of bringing in a jerk kicker.

My hopes are that Suisham is the real deal. Derrick Frost has played well enough to keep his job.

He may have leveled the biggest hit of the game too.

How about Vander Jack A!! LOL. Anyhow I think he is good in the season games. He is just not clutch, when the game is on the line lets say a forty yard field goal to win. I would not bet money on him making it. Remember the Colts vs Steelers game? I prefer a clutch guy.

All I have to say is this. Imagine we are one win away from a playoff birth. We are playing our hated rivals the cowboys for a spot in the playoffs. It is the fourth quarter , one second on the clock fourth down and we need a forty yard field goal to win. Mike Vandejack is preparing on the sideline getting his practice kicks away. Dallas calls the timeout to freeze Vanderjagt. The Crowd is roaring you can barely hear a thing. Timeout done now the teams lineup for the final play. Sweat dripping down Vanderjagts head as he is waiting for the snap. No eye of the tiger look in his eye just a look fear and uncertainty. The Redskins faithfull all have there fingers crossed, some praying on there knees, some holding there breath, some kissing there new born babys for good luck, some guzzling the last beer hoping somehow the kick is made. HIKE! The kick is away! IT LOOKS LIKE OH! you make the call.

Are you really comfortable letting Vanderjegt be your kicker in this type of moment? These type of moments define a team as a loser or winner.

Remember The Giants vs Bills? Patriots vs Rams? SuperBowl classics.

I say Heck no! He has proven to be a decent kicker. Not clutch performer. I say we just try to find a hidden gem. Or get a VET adam Vinaterri, Morten Anderson anyone who is proven himself. Or grow our own talent by doing some good scouting. There is plenty of talent in the college ranks. "You cant teach an old dog new tricks."

I appreciate the imagery and all, but what makes Suisham the guy to count on in the same situation. What has he done to show that he's clutch? The question is are you comfortable with him in the same scenario.

I hope he is, but we'll just have to see.

[BossHog]

I'll take Suisham over Vandy in a heart beat.

Suisham missed a kick... so what? He missed his first one last year too... then didn't miss another all season.

It's not like the guy tanked the kick completely, or that it was a chip shot... he hit the upright from 47 yards out, and it had the distance to be good from 57.

If Shaun starts missing FGs from 35 yards, THEN maybe I'd be worried enough to bring in a pariah like Vanderjagt, but otherwise, i don't see a problem.

I didn't like that he kicked one kickoff out of bounds, but how do we know that SINCE IT'S PRESEASON, Danny smith didn't have him try angle his kick? Regardless... his other kickoffs sailed all the way to the goal line - that's 10-15 yards further than Redskin kickers have been kicking KO for a few years.

I think we're fine with Suisham personally, but if we were to make a change, the last guy I would want is Vanderjagt.

I don't suppose anyone actually considered that Suisham beat the HEAVILY FAVORED, HEAVILY TOUTED Vanderjagt out of the job in Dallas last year did they? just asking...

[HEROHAMO]

I remember him being labled Vander-jerk by the Patriots players, namely Rodney Harrison...but he is a career 86.5 percent kicker. Thats pretty impressive. The mindboggling thing about it is that none of the 32 NFL teams want this guy....there must be something beneath the surface.

Someone mentioned alcohol, there may be a bit more to that because those numbers are worth the risk of bringing in a jerk kicker.

My hopes are that Suisham is the real deal. Derrick Frost has played well enough to keep his job.

He may have leveled the biggest hit of the game too.

How about Vander Jack A!! LOL. Anyhow I think he is good in the season games. He is just not clutch, when the game is on the line lets say a forty yard field goal to win. I would not bet money on him making it. Remember the Colts vs Steelers game? I prefer a clutch guy.

All I have to say is this. Imagine we are one win away from a playoff birth. We are playing our hated rivals the cowboys for a spot in the playoffs. It is the fourth quarter , one second on the clock fourth down and we need a forty yard field goal to win. Mike Vandejack is preparing on the sideline getting his practice kicks away. Dallas calls the timeout to freeze Vanderjagt. The Crowd is roaring you can barely hear a thing. Timeout done now the teams lineup for the final play. Sweat dripping down Vanderjagts head as he is waiting for the snap. No eye of the tiger look in his eye just a look fear and uncertainty. The Redskins faithfull all have there fingers crossed, some praying on there knees, some holding there breath, some kissing there new born babys for good luck, some guzzling the last beer hoping somehow the kick is made. HIKE! The kick is away! IT LOOKS LIKE OH! you make the call.

Are you really comfortable letting Vanderjegt be your kicker in this type of moment? These type of moments define a team as a loser or winner.

Remember The Giants vs Bills? Patriots vs Rams? SuperBowl classics.

I say Heck no! He has proven to be a decent kicker. Not clutch performer. I say we just try to find a hidden gem. Or get a VET adam Vinaterri, Morten Anderson anyone who is proven himself. Or grow our own talent by doing some good scouting. There is plenty of talent in the college ranks. "You cant teach an old dog new tricks."

I appreciate the imagery and all, but what makes Suisham the guy to count on in the same situation. What has he done to show that he's clutch? The question is are you comfortable with him in the same scenario.

I hope he is, but we'll just have to see.

I understand you only want to better the team. I just dont think that Vanderjagt is the answer.

[HEROHAMO]

I'll take Suisham over Vandy in a heart beat.

Suisham missed a kick... so what? He missed his first one last year too... then didn't miss another all season.

It's not like the guy tanked the kick completely, or that it was a chip shot... he hit the upright from 47 yards out, and it had the distance to be good from 57.

If Shaun starts missing FGs from 35 yards, THEN maybe I'd be worried enough to bring in a pariah like Vanderjagt, but otherwise, i don't see a problem.

I didn't like that he kicked one kickoff out of bounds, but how do we know that SINCE IT'S PRESEASON, Danny smith didn't have him try angle his kick? Regardless... his other kickoffs sailed all the way to the goal line - that's 10-15 yards further than Redskin kickers have been kicking KO for a few years.

I think we're fine with Suisham personally, but if we were to make a change, the last guy I would want is Vanderjagt.

I don't suppose anyone actually considered that Suisham beat the HEAVILY FAVORED, HEAVILY TOUTED Vanderjagt out of the job in Dallas last year did they? just asking...

Good point. Wasnt Suisham the one to make it in the fourth quarter against the Cowgirls? I have to see more of him. I guess he will have plenty of time to prove himself this year.

[JansenFan]

I am happy that Suisham got his shanks out early. Just like last year, when he missed the first kick then made 8 straight. I was also impressed that he kicked routinely into the end zone on kick offs, and his 47 yard attempt may have hit the upright, but he had the distance to make that kick from 60.

[SkinsJock]

I'll take Suisham over Vandy in a heart beat.

Suisham missed a kick... so what? He missed his first one last year too... then didn't miss another all season.

It's not like the guy tanked the kick completely, or that it was a chip shot... he hit the upright from 47 yards out, and it had the distance to be good from 57.

If Shaun starts missing FGs from 35 yards, THEN maybe I'd be worried enough to bring in a pariah like Vanderjagt, but otherwise, i don't see a problem.

I didn't like that he kicked one kickoff out of bounds, but how do we know that SINCE IT'S PRESEASON, Danny smith didn't have him try angle his kick? Regardless... his other kickoffs sailed all the way to the goal line - that's 10-15 yards further than Redskin kickers have been kicking KO for a few years.

I think we're fine with Suisham personally, but if we were to make a change, the last guy I would want is Vanderjagt.

I don't suppose anyone actually considered that Suisham beat the HEAVILY FAVORED, HEAVILY TOUTED Vanderjagt out of the job in Dallas last year did they? just asking...

Thanks for the "clarification" Boss and I agree - I have been looking at some pretty amazing posts here the past 2 days about a few of our players and have seen some of our THNers gettting their panties twisted after what they have seen in 1 pre season game and from 1 scrimmage

C'mon people! Let the coaches have some opportunity to see who they want to keep here that will help our team be the best that it can be.

As far as the kickers are concerned, IMO, Danny Smith would probably like to have more than 1 punter and 1 kicker in camp but that would take priority IF these guys were showing some reason for concern. Our team has other needs at other positions right now and that has to take priority over these positions which I do not think are a big concern to us at this time - in fact I think these 2 guys will show everyone why we do not need anyone else here -

[JansenFan]

I'll take Suisham over Vandy in a heart beat.

Suisham missed a kick... so what? He missed his first one last year too... then didn't miss another all season.

It's not like the guy tanked the kick completely, or that it was a chip shot... he hit the upright from 47 yards out, and it had the distance to be good from 57.

If Shaun starts missing FGs from 35 yards, THEN maybe I'd be worried enough to bring in a pariah like Vanderjagt, but otherwise, i don't see a problem.

I didn't like that he kicked one kickoff out of bounds, but how do we know that SINCE IT'S PRESEASON, Danny smith didn't have him try angle his kick? Regardless... his other kickoffs sailed all the way to the goal line - that's 10-15 yards further than Redskin kickers have been kicking KO for a few years.

I think we're fine with Suisham personally, but if we were to make a change, the last guy I would want is Vanderjagt.

I don't suppose anyone actually considered that Suisham beat the HEAVILY FAVORED, HEAVILY TOUTED Vanderjagt out of the job in Dallas last year did they? just asking...

I am happy that Suisham got his shanks out early. Just like last year, when he missed the first kick then made 8 straight. I was also impressed that he kicked routinely into the end zone on kick offs, and his 47 yard attempt may have hit the upright, but he had the distance to make that kick from 60.

Guess I should have looked to see if someone had posted my thoughts word-for-word again.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I'm not ready to call it quits on him but it never hurts to bring in competition just to make our guys work that much harder.

Although he still scares me a bit when he comes out, I feel good about this guy.

[Gibbs' Hog]

Ugh. Vanderjagt is an idiot. Looks to me like Suisham can actually be a valid kicker for a bunch of years. He looked pretty good last year, and I'd hate to have someone like Vandy come in, take his job, and we see him in a year or two making everything for a division rival.... hmmmm, Akers anyone?

[The Hogster]

I'll take Suisham over Vandy in a heart beat.

Suisham missed a kick... so what? He missed his first one last year too... then didn't miss another all season.

It's not like the guy tanked the kick completely, or that it was a chip shot... he hit the upright from 47 yards out, and it had the distance to be good from 57.

If Shaun starts missing FGs from 35 yards, THEN maybe I'd be worried enough to bring in a pariah like Vanderjagt, but otherwise, i don't see a problem.

I didn't like that he kicked one kickoff out of bounds, but how do we know that SINCE IT'S PRESEASON, Danny smith didn't have him try angle his kick? Regardless... his other kickoffs sailed all the way to the goal line - that's 10-15 yards further than Redskin kickers have been kicking KO for a few years.

I think we're fine with Suisham personally, but if we were to make a change, the last guy I would want is Vanderjagt.

I don't suppose anyone actually considered that Suisham beat the HEAVILY FAVORED, HEAVILY TOUTED Vanderjagt out of the job in Dallas last year did they? just asking...

Apparently no one is reading the post before answering. No one is 'abandoning' Suisham which I mentioned several times. The concern is that he is the only Kicker on the roster and he is unproven.

Additionally, I don't know what football coach would ask you to kick it out of bounds. Asking him to 'angle' the kick has nothing to do with it being "preseason' in all caps. Kickers in the NFL should be able to make a directional kick at any time of the year without shanking it out of bounds. Not sure what point that was intended to prove.

As for Dallas...neither one of them is still on their roster.

[Fios]

I'll take Suisham over Vandy in a heart beat.

Suisham missed a kick... so what? He missed his first one last year too... then didn't miss another all season.

It's not like the guy tanked the kick completely, or that it was a chip shot... he hit the upright from 47 yards out, and it had the distance to be good from 57.

If Shaun starts missing FGs from 35 yards, THEN maybe I'd be worried enough to bring in a pariah like Vanderjagt, but otherwise, i don't see a problem.

I didn't like that he kicked one kickoff out of bounds, but how do we know that SINCE IT'S PRESEASON, Danny smith didn't have him try angle his kick? Regardless... his other kickoffs sailed all the way to the goal line - that's 10-15 yards further than Redskin kickers have been kicking KO for a few years.

I think we're fine with Suisham personally, but if we were to make a change, the last guy I would want is Vanderjagt.

I don't suppose anyone actually considered that Suisham beat the HEAVILY FAVORED, HEAVILY TOUTED Vanderjagt out of the job in Dallas last year did they? just asking...

Apparently no one is reading the post before answering. No one is 'abandoning' Suisham which I mentioned several times. The concern is that he is the only Kicker on the roster and he is unproven.

Additionally, I don't know what football coach would ask you to kick it out of bounds. Asking him to 'angle' the kick has nothing to do with it being "preseason' in all caps. Kickers in the NFL should be able to make a directional kick at any time of the year without shanking it out of bounds. Not sure what point that was intended to prove.

Let's try this one piece at a time:

Coach: Hey, Shaun, try for a corner kick on this one, if you could consistently kick to a corner, that would be a HUGE advantage on special teams since we would, essentially, only have to cover half the field.

Shaun: OK

*** Suisham sends ball in direction of corner where out-of-bounds also happens, coincidentally, to be located. Ball lands out of bounds. ***

Shaun: Whoops, my bad

Coach: Don't sweat it, just wanted to try something in THE FIRST GAME OF THE PRESEASON BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT EXISTS FOR.

How is 9-for-10 last season "unproven"? Isn't that, at the very least, somewhat proven?