11.03.19-The DW Sunday Column: Watch a NFL game because of … the punter?
It makes little sense when you say it out loud… “I will be watching the Monday Night game between the Dolphins and Steelers right from the start.”
“Why?”
“To watch the punter.”
There is a reason. Matt Haack went to school at Arizona State. That is good but not the only reason. I worked with Matt’s dad, who lives in Iowa. Through work, we met a few times. It has been interesting talking to his dad as Matt has gone from college to the pro ranks.
So, what is it like to watch a game…because of the punter?
Well …14:13 into the game….the first Dolphins punt….is a crazy good 58 yards, but the announcer doesn’t say anything about the punt or punter, instead talking about the Steelers quarterback. Can you imagine that, little commentary on the punter and talking about the quarterback? Ridiculous.
After the punt, by the 12-minute mark, there is a Dolphins interception. One play later the Dolphins are on the 5-yard line. It has to be because of the great punt that shifted field position, it inspired the defense to come up with a big play…all because of the punter…the announcers don’t see it this way, there is no mention of the punt being responsible for these turn of events.
At 10:55…touchdown Dolphins…son of a gun, that punter is now the holder for the extra point. Great snap, great hold. What a terrific job. Hey, wait, no mention of the holder, on the extra point? What kind of broadcast crew is this?
At 1:34…another extra point try. Flawless hold. Nope, no mention of this. They kept going on and on about the Pittsburgh missed tackles that led to the Miami touchdown.
Ok, finally, it took until a little less than 9 minutes in the half, but the announcers finally get it. First, they mention Haack, and point out he is from West Des Moines, IA. Then, when he perfectly puts the ball inside the 10-yard line, they lament the great kick as they sign off to commercial.
After a few conversations I was invited to meet up with Matt and his dad after a Arizona State game. Anyone could hang out in the meeting area outside the stadium, but not everyone got a chance to shake hands with a player and his dad. He is a lot taller than he looks when on the field next to all the players…
Of course, I was brilliant that night, mentioning what an accomplishment it was to play Pac 12 football. I am sure Matt was thinking …that ain’t nothing…just watch….
I remember when Matt’s dad told me about the Dolphins opportunity. I was thinking there was no chance. The Dolphins had a punter that was there for two years. Think about it, there are over 130 college football programs. Over 130 punters. Maybe five, maybe 10 open jobs a year in the NFL. A total of 32 jobs.
It was amazing when it was announced he made the team three seasons ago. His dad was super excited but hoped he would play for the Vikings, since it was closer to home. Ya, I know how it is … those darn kids, going to play in the NFL and decide to go to Miami instead of Minneapolis…
Now, back to the game…the Dolphins blow a 14-point lead. They are now in catch up mode. As the game goes by, it gets a little….ok, a lot boring. Channel flipping brings up a Seinfeld re-run (I guess I didn’t have to write it was a re-run, pretty obvious, I guess).
The stat line for Matt: two punts, 46.5 — a long of 58 yards, both inside the 20-yard line.
It was interesting … for a while. It is interesting to kind of know someone in the NFL. And I know Matt’s dad is super proud of him…even though he isn’t playing for the Minnesota Vikings.
