Will Durant Brooks make it through the season?

[ChocolateMilk]

Don't get rid of Brooks....

If we still have Swishy then Brooks has nothing to worry about. Swishy has burnt us in the past and is still inconsistent. He's improving though.

Why not give Brooks the same chances?

i agree.. i mean is was Shizam who missed that basically gimme field goal against the seahawks last year. but look at him now? 4-4 last week 3-3 from 40 or longer this week. including a 50 yarder. he's stepped up this year. and i expect brooks to do the same

[admin]

Don't get rid of Brooks....

If we still have Swishy then Brooks has nothing to worry about. Swishy has burnt us in the past and is still inconsistent. He's improving though.

Why not give Brooks the same chances?

What on earth are you talking about?

How is Suisham inconsistent after having the second best season EVER for a Redskins kicker in his FIRST complete season?

That's just ridiculous.

The guy is kicking 50 yarders like they're chip shots and you're unhappy with his consistency?

As I stated REPEATDLY at the beginning of the season, if you couldn't SEE the lack of fluidity on the holds by Brooks early on, then you're not watching the same games I am. Now that the kicking unit has their timing down - Suisham looks as good as ANY kicker in the league.

I mean I get that he's Canadian and I have a bit of an attachment that way, but to call a guy who is kicking 80% of his field goals inconsistent is just plain irresponsible... farcical even. Wait - let me guess - we need a kicker like Akers who is 3 of his last 14 from over 40 yards right?

Ridiculous.

Maybe one day you guys will figure out that NFL kickers don't make EVERY kick and if you can make 80% of them - you will ALWAYS have a job in the NFL.

Find something worthwhile to whine about or live with having nothing worth whining about.

As for Brooks, well... hopefully he gets better - because two returned punts in 5 games is piss poor no matter how you look at it. His net average of 31.6 is 22 yards below the top punter in the league - 22 yrds NET per kick...

[VetSkinsFan]

Don't get rid of Brooks....

If we still have Swishy then Brooks has nothing to worry about. Swishy has burnt us in the past and is still inconsistent. He's improving though.

Why not give Brooks the same chances?

What on earth are you talking about?

How is Suisham inconsistent after having the second best season EVER for a Redskins kicker in his FIRST complete season?

That's just ridiculous.

The guy is kicking 50 yarders like they're chip shots and you're unhappy with his consistency?

As I stated REPEATDLY at the beginning of the season, if you couldn't SEE the lack of fluidity on the holds by Brooks early on, then you're not watching the same games I am. Now that the kicking unit has their timing down - Suisham looks as good as ANY kicker in the league.

I mean I get that he's Canadian and I have a bit of an attachment that way, but to call a guy who is kicking 80% of his field goals inconsistent is just plain irresponsible... farcical even. Wait - let me guess - we need a kicker like Akers who is 3 of his last 14 from over 40 yards right?

Ridiculous.

Maybe one day you guys will figure out that NFL kickers don't make EVERY kick and if you can make 80% of them - you will ALWAYS have a job in the NFL.

Find something worthwhile to whine about or live with having nothing worth whining about.

As for Brooks, well... hopefully he gets better - because two returned punts in 5 games is piss poor no matter how you look at it. His net average of 31.6 is 22 yards below the top punter in the league - 22 yrds NET per kick...

He's Canadian? God, no wonder why he sucks!!!!

[Chris Luva Luva]

Find something worthwhile to whine about or live with having nothing worth whining about.

Whining?
I haven't once blasted Swishy this season for anything and wasn't trying to discredit him. Maybe you feel 100% confident in this kid when he lines up to kick a FG but I don't.

In regards to his consistency...

- I was merely talking about how he shanked that kick-off out of bounds.
- And we don't know if he was told to make that squib kick after half-time vs Dallas.

Basically I was just stating that Swishy was hated and has IMPROVED, so lets see how Brooks can do. So in the midst of my whining I was actually speaking well of Swishy and hoping that Brooks can make the same strides.

[Countertrey]

I was actually speaking well of Swishy

Is anyone concerned that there is a Pro Football player that people are comfortable calling "Swishy"?

[BossHog]

Find something worthwhile to whine about or live with having nothing worth whining about.

Whining?
I haven't once blasted Swishy this season for anything and wasn't trying to discredit him. Maybe you feel 100% confident in this kid when he lines up to kick a FG but I don't.

In regards to his consistency...

- I was merely talking about how he shanked that kick-off out of bounds.
- And we don't know if he was told to make that squib kick after half-time vs Dallas.

Basically I was just stating that Swishy was hated and has IMPROVED, so lets see how Brooks can do.

I can't help it if you personally don't get warm and fuzzy feelings when he lines up to kick the ball, but then again, I can't help that you seem to think that anything short of perfection is inconsistent. To me that's unreasonable and not a very fair judge of talent or performance. I think when a kicker categorically states at the beginning of a season that his goal is to kick 80% of his FGs and then kicks 83% of them, its safe to say that he was not only consistent, but even outdid his own expectations for what makes a 'good season.'

Maybe you could help me understand how a guy is inconsistent when only ONE season in Redskin history has yielded a higher completion percentage? Are you contending that every single kicker in every single year of Redskin history has been inconsistent?

Chip Lohmiller was widely considered the best kicker in the league when he was with the Redskins NEVER had a season over 75% completion percentage... almost a full 10% less than Suisham last year.

As for the shank out of bounds, I'm sure that was a shank - a mistake - and I'm sure that Shaun would admit it - but I fail to see how doing it ONCE makes you inconsistent. As for the squib - I have NO reason to believe that it was anything BUT intentional, why do you think it wasn't? Did it look like he was trying to kick it deep? It didn't to anyone in the room I was in - we all questioned the call to do so, but I don't think one of us thought that Shaun had just duffed a kick.

I will NEVER feel like a kick is automatic ESPECIALLY outdoors and on grass, but maybe that's because I've kicked before - and I understand that NOBODY is going to kick every one. To me the point is that when Shaun drops back to make a kick, I feel great about our chances - more than ANY other Skins kicker in recent history...

... even if its from 50.

To me, that's as money as it gets.

[Countertrey]

To me the point is that when Shaun drops back to make a kick, I feel great about our chances - more than ANY other Skins kicker in recent history...

... even if its from 50.

To me, that's as money as it gets.

Yup... I haven't felt this confident about a kicker since Lohmiller, and Mosley before that.

[Chris Luva Luva]

- I was not aware of where he ranked statistically and it is a great accomplishment.

- I don't know if that squib kick was his fault or not but it definitely was weird.

- What I'm about to say probally is very unfair and I'm just going to speak for myself and say that the missed kick in SEA still is in my mind. I'm sure that it's not fair because he's been clutch in games prior to that but the magnitude of that SEA was unlike any other.

But like I said before, he has improved across the board. His kick-off's are way deeper and he's been more consistent than what I originally gave him credit for. Hopefully he'll give me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside when the game is on the line and we have to rely on his leg.

Hopefully Brooks will make the same strides that Swishy has.

[Bob 0119]

I think Brooks will be okay.

I'm not certain about College, but I know the NFL uses a new football everytime they have to kick or punt. Perhaps that could be part of the problems rookie kickers face in the league?

I've heard players complain about the fact that the "K" balls are slippery since they are brand new, straight out of the box, but I don't know if they would be more difficult to kick.

[BossHog]

Hopefully he'll give me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside when the game is on the line and we have to rely on his leg.

You mean like when he walked on to the field in overtime last year and pounded a 39 yarder against Miami?

... or when he walked on to the field in overtime last year and pounded a 46 yarder against the jets?

Or do walkoff kicks in overtime not count as 'game on the line.'

... or do you mean like when he walked on to Dallas' field two weeks ago and put us up by two scores? Not a long kick, but certainly pressure-filled.

... or do you mean like yesterday when he walked out and pounded a 50-yarder to put us up by two scores?

[Chris Luva Luva]

Or do walkoff kicks in overtime not count as 'game on the line.'

I addressed that...

- What I'm about to say probally is very unfair and I'm just going to speak for myself and say that the missed kick in SEA still is in my mind. I'm sure that it's not fair because he's been clutch in games prior to that but the magnitude of that SEA was unlike any other.

I said I didn't give him enough credit. I took the statistical information you supplied and changed my stance and said it was great feat. I admitted that my reasoning for not trusting in him may be unfair...

Let's try this...

Swishy is the best kicker I can remember us having. I will have unparalleled faith in him and will not doubt his ability to kick a game winning field goal in OTA's, mini-camps, training camp, pre-season, regular season, post-season, superbowl and the probowl. He's is awesome and I am not worthy of being on the receiving end of his game winning kicks.

[BossHog]

Let's try this...

Swishy is the best kicker I can remember us having. I will have unparalleled faith in him and will not doubt his ability to kick a game winning field goal in OTA's, mini-camps, training camp, pre-season, regular season, post-season, superbowl and the probowl. He's is awesome and I am not worthy of being on the receiving end of his game winning kicks.

My experiences are that when a guy reaches a state of having to speak in exaggerated hyperbole and sarcasm, its usually because he doesn't have any actual point left to make.

... but allow me to try and sink to that level of discourse...

"You're right. Swishy is the most inconsistent kicker we have ever had. I will never have a drop of faith in him until he has kicked 6238 50-yard field goals in a row - all of them outside, and all of them on natural grass - and if he really wants to impress me, then he should change holders for all 6238 of them. He sucks and we'd be better off with Nick Novak, Brett Conway, Scott Blanton, Ola Kimrin, Michael Husted, Kris Heppner, Jose Cortez, James Tuthill, Scott Bentley or Jeff Chandler. Why'd we ever get rid of all those awesome kickers?"

[SkinsFreak]

Suisham's Field Goals a Catalyst In Redskins' Win
By Casey Husband
Redskins.com


When things were going poorly in the early stages on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia, the Redskins looked around for something, anything, to get them going.

They found out that their kicker is a player who can help keep them afloat.

Shaun Suisham’s second-quarter effort--which included three field goals of 40 yards or longer--had the effect of keeping the Redskin in the game.

And, of course, they eventually went on to a second straight NFC East road win 23-17.

Nothing seemed to be in place for Washington, now 4-1 for the first time since 1999, when it trailed by two touchdowns seven minutes into the game.

Then Suisham’s field goals of 41, 48 and 50 yards in a 12-minute stretch gave the Redskins life.

“We stalled out a few times in the first half,” Suisham said. “I was able to come though and hit my field goals in the second quarter. It seemed to give us a lift.”

The one that really kept the Redskins in it, of course, was the 50-yarder with just two seconds remaining in the first half. That one advanced Washington to within 14-9 and set up a huge second-half surge.

On that field goal, Suisham’s accuracy was outweighed only by his timing. He converted just when the Redskins needed a spark heading into their halftime conversations.

"That was really a lift for us going into halftime to have that long field goal," head coach Jim Zorn said.

Said Suisham: “The only thing I can say is that it’s a lot of fun playing on this team right now. I’m glad to contribute. We came out with our offense and took control in the second half. It was pretty cool to watch.”

The only blemish on Suisham’s day came when he hooked a kickoff out of bounds and was penalized for it.

Through five games, Suisham is 11-of-14 on field goal attempts.

He was 3-for-3 at Philadelphia and surpassed his counterpart, one-time Redskin David Akers.

Akers missed from 50 yards late in the first quarter but made good on a 23-yarder with 7:18 left in the game.

To a man, the Redskins acknowledged Suisham’s clutch kicks, especially because they came at a time when things were looking somewhat bleak.

The 6-0, 197-pound Suisham, who is in his third NFL season, took over as the Redskins’ kicker full time in 2007.

He spent parts of 2005 and 2006 with the Cowboys before joining Washington for the last month of the 2006 campaign.

A native of Wallaceburg, Ontario, Suisham played in all 16 games, plus the Wild Card playoff game, for the Redskins last season. He connected on 29-of-35 field goal attempts and 29-of-30 PATs for 116 points during the regular season.

Suisham hit two overtime game-winners last season, a 39-yarder in Week 1 to beat the Dolphins and a 46-yarder in Week 9 to beat the Jets.

In last year’s 23-20 overtime win versus the Jets in the Meadowlands, Suisham had a career-best day, with five field goals in as many tries. He was named NFC special teams player of the week after his 46-yard field goal in overtime proved to be the game-winner.

Late in the 2006 season, Suisham came up with a career-long 52-yard field goal for the Redskins in a game at St. Louis. The Rams are at FedExField on Sunday.

I highlighted a quote from Suisham, one that I think goes a long way about the attitudes of the players right now. They're having fun and believe in their coach and in themselves. I believe there's clear evidence Shaun is much improved this year, evidence that he worked his butt off during the ofseason.

[MDSKINSFAN]

pretty good when the punter is the weakest link

[Chris Luva Luva]

He sucks and we'd be better off with Nick Novak, Brett Conway, Scott Blanton, Ola Kimrin, Michael Husted, Kris Heppner, Jose Cortez, James Tuthill, Scott Bentley or Jeff Chandler. Why'd we ever get rid of all those awesome kickers?"

I guess after last night we need to add Lamemattica to that list....

Point taken.

[cvillehog]

Let's try this...

Swishy is the best kicker I can remember us having. I will have unparalleled faith in him and will not doubt his ability to kick a game winning field goal in OTA's, mini-camps, training camp, pre-season, regular season, post-season, superbowl and the probowl. He's is awesome and I am not worthy of being on the receiving end of his game winning kicks.

My experiences are that when a guy reaches a state of having to speak in exaggerated hyperbole and sarcasm, its usually because he doesn't have any actual point left to make.

... but allow me to try and sink to that level of discourse...

"You're right. Swishy is the most inconsistent kicker we have ever had. I will never have a drop of faith in him until he has kicked 6238 50-yard field goals in a row - all of them outside, and all of them on natural grass - and if he really wants to impress me, then he should change holders for all 6238 of them. He sucks and we'd be better off with Nick Novak, Brett Conway, Scott Blanton, Ola Kimrin, Michael Husted, Kris Heppner, Jose Cortez, James Tuthill, Scott Bentley or Jeff Chandler. Why'd we ever get rid of all those awesome kickers?"

You left out David Akers. We totally would've beat Philly if we still had David Akers... wait...

[VetSkinsFan]

But what about Brooks?

[Californiaskin]

Anybody ready to change thier vote yet????

[Mursilis]

Anybody ready to change thier vote yet????

It's suddenly looking very possible Brooks' NFL career could be shorter than any of us thought.

[frankcal20]

Just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts are about the current punting situation. What do you do? The guy was a Ray Guy Award Winner and very could be a great Punter but do we hold out for him to get his stuff together?

Who is out there who is better?

[Fios]

I think the team has to be seriously considering their options at this point. I really thought the guy was going to pan out, and he may yet, but his on-field performance thus far has been pretty bad.

[Countertrey]

I think the team has to be seriously considering their options at this point. I really thought the guy was going to pan out, and he may yet, but his on-field performance thus far has been pretty bad.

It appears that this has gotten into his head... and for a kicker, that is just bad. Anyone who ever watched Ray Guy knows that he had stones of cold, hard steel. Nothing ever rattled him, and the more critical the punt, the bigger it came off his foot.

[tribeofjudah]

Who are we bringing in to compete against Brooks?

Who?
Who?
Who? No one comes to mind.......

[crazyhorse1]

I have to change my vote to nay. Sorry Rook.

[SKINFAN]

two ways we can improve.


either we get a new guy in here to compete.

or get the guy we have to mature very quickly.

we just don't have time to wait around.

---what I remember from Zorn's interview yesterday after the game.