Cowboys' Key Questions.

[Cowboyzadam]

Nick Folk got back into the kicker race when he made a 52-yard field goal with 25 seconds left in the first half.

Martin Gramatica, who took the lead in the competition last week with some good kickoffs and a 47-yard field goal, was wide right on a 51-yarder in the first half.

Folk was better with his kickoffs this week. He sent two kicks into the end zone and one to the goal line. Gramatica, who's supposed to have the weaker leg, sent two kicks 5 yards deep and another to the Denver 4.

"I've got to reflect on everything," special teams coach Bruce Read said. "Martin's kickoffs are great, and that was supposed to a knock on him."

Recently signed punter Sam Paulescu kicked off to start the second half. A delay of game penalty moved the ball back 5 yards, but Paulescu sent the kick to the Denver 6.

Read said Paulescu sent one kickoff 9 yards and another 8 yards into the end zone during pregame warm-ups.

[NewmanOwns]

i think we might just go into the season with 1 kicker now... If Folk keeps it up, Gramatica is gone. Ive been real impressed, on Folks 52 yarder, it was drilled down the middle and coulda went for much longer.

[lcboysfan]

A Little nervous on having a rookie kicker handle the kicking duties but heah what the hell do I know :lol:

[DCfan60]

I get nervous as well.. I dont want to have a great season come to end from a rookie kicker..

[mcaje]

I say low ball the kid on a long term deal and eat Dramatica's signing bonus.

[22stillrocks]

I say we keep two kickers, and two QB's again. I don't want our champion ship run sidelined by a rookie under stress.

[maxdallasfan]

I'd have to agree with the rookie thing. It's preseason now, but what does he do when he's lining up for a 52 yarder with 7 seconds left on the clock??

But there's just something about Gramatica, that little shit makes me more nervous than Billy Cundiff did.

[Cowboyzadam]

I'd have to agree with the rookie thing. It's preseason now, but what does he do when he's lining up for a 52 yarder with 7 seconds left on the clock??

But there's just something about Gramatica, that little shit makes me more nervous than Billy Cundiff did.[/b]


I totally understand where you guys are coming from and I kind of feel the same way but...you knew there was a but coming right? ;) How id he ever going to get any confidence and experience if we keep him on the sidelines when we need some game winning field goals? Besides our Mr. experience Gramatica went out there Saturday night and missed wide right on a 51 yarder. Folk sure acted calm and confident on the 52 yard kick from what I saw. Even after the kid nailed it he acted like he makes them every day. I am really liking this kid.

[b_cadvantag]

I like the kid, but if we dont keep them both the one let go will get picked up somewhere. I would keep both K's at the start of season and if the kid can hold his mustard then late in season let Gramatica and pick up a person of need for a late playoff push.

[DallasBoys]

I want Gramatica...he's a veteran and I want him on the attempt in the 4th quarter, not some kid.

[Tulip_Sniper]

normally I'd want a vet in there taking the kicks but Folk has looked really good so far. The guy has a strong leg and size to match. I wouldn't mind keeping two kickers on the roster let Folk get some work in during the regular season and split time with Gramatica.

[maxdallasfan]

Keeping two kickers does sound like a good idea, but I doubt Gramatica would buy into that. He could go sign elsewhere in a heartbeat. I sure wish we had Steve Hoffman back teaching those young kickers.

[Tulip_Sniper]

I don't think he would buy it either but if Folk keeps kicking the way he has I don't think he has much of a choice this season. Makes me wonder how Vandershank would have preformed if Dallas had kept Hoffman around.

[maxdallasfan]

Uugh, that's another name I never want to hear again.

[Tulip_Sniper]

HA what about Jose Cortez?

[Cowboyzadam]

I like the kid, but if we dont keep them both the one let go will get picked up somewhere. I would keep both K's at the start of season and if the kid can hold his mustard then late in season let Gramatica and pick up a person of need for a late playoff push.[/b]


I like your thinking here Tag. It the smart way to go since both of them are really neck and neck. Gramatica is better on kick-offs and has the Vet experience. Folk is young and has one hell of a leg and nails his kicks right down the middle and so far has been VERY consistent. I will say one thing from over a year ago with having to deal with bone head Vandy...this sure is a nice problem to have eh... and at a much cheaper price as well.