Folk vs. Gramatica

[Haynie]

If you've read my 53-Man Roster Prediction, then you know I've predicted Dallas will keep both Nick Folk and Martin Gramatica on the roster. This is what I think the Cowboys will do, but it's not my preference. I say you go with Folk and live with any rookie mistakes. Here's why:


1. Every year, some young kicker comes out of nowhere and lights up the league. There's always another Neil Rackers or Robbie Gould out there, on some roster, who emerges a top kicker. Doesn't Folk just feel like that kind of guy?

2. A bad hamstring on a kicker is huge liability. One bad step, and he could be on his back writhing. What if that happens on a crucial field goal attempt? Gramatica's not exactly had a proven health record, either. If he's already got signs of problems, history shows they'll probably linger and get worse.

3. Kicking in the NFL is enough pressure by itself. Do you really want to see Gramatica coming in for field goals knowing there's a kid on the roster who they'll turn to in a heartbeat if he fails?

4. The extra roster spot may not seem important now, but it will by midseason when we've lost a couple guys to injury.


I just don't think it makes sense to hang on to Gramatica. Could Folk choke on his first regular season game-winner? Sure, but I'd rather it happen in Week One than in a playoff game. The way I see it, keeping Gramatica now is only prolonging the inevitable. If we're going to have to count on Folk down the road anyway, let's get him out there now and make sure he's our guy before we're in a situation where there's no "next week."

[DallasDeathMetal]

Phuk it. Keep both and get rid of the 3rd tight end. Gramatica likes to bounce around and hurt himself while celebrating PAT's and Field Goals so it wouldn't hurt to have the 2nd kicker on the field.


If you've read my 53-Man Roster Prediction, then you know I've predicted Dallas will keep both Nick Folk and Martin Gramatica on the roster. This is what I think the Cowboys will do, but it's not my preference. I say you go with Folk and live with any rookie mistakes. Here's why:
1. Every year, some young kicker comes out of nowhere and lights up the league. There's always another Neil Rackers or Robbie Gould out there, on some roster, who emerges a top kicker. Doesn't Folk just feel like that kind of guy?

2. A bad hamstring on a kicker is huge liability. One bad step, and he could be on his back writhing. What if that happens on a crucial field goal attempt? Gramatica's not exactly had a proven health record, either. If he's already got signs of problems, history shows they'll probably linger and get worse.

3. Kicking in the NFL is enough pressure by itself. Do you really want to see Gramatica coming in for field goals knowing there's a kid on the roster who they'll turn to in a heartbeat if he fails?

4. The extra roster spot may not seem important now, but it will by midseason when we've lost a couple guys to injury.
I just don't think it makes sense to hang on to Gramatica. Could Folk choke on his first regular season game-winner? Sure, but I'd rather it happen in Week One than in a playoff game. The way I see it, keeping Gramatica now is only prolonging the inevitable. If we're going to have to count on Folk down the road anyway, let's get him out there now and make sure he's our guy before we're in a situation where there's no "next week."[/b]

[Cowboyzadam]

Well if we don't keep both and have to pick just then I hope they go with Folk 100%

[thevalleyranchreport]

Keep Folk, and keep Matt Moore onboard the 53

[mcaje]

Keep Folk and eat Dramatica's signing bonus.

[tlbabin]

I'm with Haynie here. Gramatica's bad hammy will make him a liability early in the season. I'd cut him and go with the rookie. If he sucks out loud after a few games, release him and bring back Gramatica minus the bonus. I think this makes the most logical (and fiscal) sense. If all else fails maybe we can lure George Blanda out of the Sunnyside nursing home. He may not know what year it is, but I'm sure he's still automatic inside the 30.

[22stillrocks]

I think we would regret cutting Curtis.

I think we should go with Folk alone. Tough to do in a playoff run year, but there is always veteran kickers out there to pick up.

[Cowboyzadam]

I think we would regret cutting Curtis.

I think we should go with Folk alone. Tough to do in a playoff run year, but there is always veteran kickers out there to pick up.[/b]


Yeah I think we need to keep Curtis as well. Go with Nick and keep Curtis. Fasano does have that nagging shoulder injury that flares up every now and then.

[Eric]

I think we should keep both, if one struggles put the other one in. A little insurance never hurts.

[cowboysHI]

Keep Folk, and if we need help let's dial up Vandercrack's number. Shouldn't the yips be gone by now?

[Haynie]

Well, looks like they made the right decision after all! It'd be interesting to know what would've happened if Gramatica hadn't been injured, though.

[Cowboyzadam]

Well, looks like they made the right decision after all! It'd be interesting to know what would've happened if Gramatica hadn't been injured, though.[/b]


Yeah I wonder that as well Haynie. It sure would have made it a lot more difficult to decide for sure. Even if he was not injured Gramatica still had the one miss from 50 and the missed extra point against him. Nick on the other hand regardless of his lack of NFL kicking experience or not simply did everything he was asked to do.

In my book he saw a great opportunity here and grabbed the Bull by the balls and just yanked them off. He earned it fair and square. I have no hard feeling towards Gramatica whatsoever and I appreciate what he did for us last year but sorry little dude...you got beat by a rookie who I predict is going to be really good for us.