Where Will Ryan Longwell Play In 2011?

by Brandon on Jun 17, 2011 8:00 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Kevin Seifert provides a link and a partial transcript to an interview with former Green Bay Packers K Ryan Longwell. From ESPN:

Appearing Friday morning on ESPNMilwaukee.com, Longwell made clear he intends to play in 2011 and said he "wouldn't mind going back" to the Vikings. Asked if he would consider returning to Green Bay if Packers place-kicker Mason Crosby moves on in free agency, Longwell laughed and said: "You never say never. You just don't know."

The Packers special teams have been awful under coach Shawn Slocum, but he's been able to keep his job again this offseason. So I wouldn't be surprised if they did something odd under Slocum's leadership. But they haven't even brought in any training camp competition to challenge Mason Crosby, so I can't imagine they'd replace him with a player they let go a few years back.

On the other hand, I'd be surprised if Longwell isn't playing somewhere in 2011. He might have the weakest leg in the NFL, but he'll get a boost because the new kickoff rules will start him at the 35 yard line. He's not a long range kicker, he only attempted two field goals of more than 40 yards last season, but he also went 17 for 18 on attempts. That reliability from within the 40 yard line should appeal to some team next season.

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He won't be back in GB

So really… Who cares. He’s a kicker w/ a weak leg and isn’t asked to kick outside 45 yds. If you want kickoffs to make it to the 10 yd line, sign him up. And thats in a dome…

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Jun 17, 2011 8:41 PM CDT reply actions

Either option is a good leg IMO

far better than average.

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by Bro Namath on Jun 17, 2011 10:53 PM CDT reply actions

He definately has a weak leg

Vikings fan here by the way. There was a post on Daily Norseman a couple months ago about how the Vikings’ opposition’s average starting position after a kickoff was one of the worst in the league. Mostly due to his short kickoffs. I think we’ll keep him this year though and hopefully (crosses his fingers) draft Dustin Hopkins next year.

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on - Winston Churchill

by Alittlemore_cowbell on Jun 18, 2011 11:09 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

"The Packers special teams have been awful under coach Shawn Slocum..."

hahahaha and that’s putting it mildly!

They’re not doing anything radically different. Maybe beefing up the return game with Cobb as the return man – hopefully some better protection there. But that’s it.

And Longwell as a Packer? Not a chance. If the Pack get a new kicker, it’s going to be someone younger, not older.

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi

by AdamA on Jun 18, 2011 12:23 PM CDT reply actions

I wouldn't mind if they signed Longwell...

… kept him around about a week after final cutdown, and the street him a day before the opening game. I’d find that pretty amusing. Otherwise the only way I’d want him in a Packer Uni again is there’s no one else available.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Jun 18, 2011 4:46 PM CDT reply actions

Wow I didn't know that he attempted so few beyond 40 yards

Really that’s the most telling thing. I know that Crosby has his accuracy issues right now (and that does include that range where Longwell is automatic) but still….if you are a kicker and your range is pretty much 45 and in then you’d better be hitting every single FG because that’s cutting down good portion of scoring range for a team.

by PackApologist on Jun 18, 2011 7:11 PM CDT reply actions

Longwell will go....

To a city without an Applebee’s.

When life gives ya lemons, shut up and eat your damn lemons.
Brett Favre will lead the Vikings to a Victory in Super Bowl XLVI, Guaranteed! - REVENGE4FAVRE

by P-Townfan on Jun 19, 2011 1:16 PM CDT reply actions