Most football fans hate nothing more than watching their offense come onto the field and run three unsuccessful plays, only to see the punt unit come on for fourth down. But for Giants fans, its slightly different. Although nothing can completely aid our feelings of anger and frustration that Kevin “Killdrive” decided to call a draw play on 3rd and 7, we look at a 3 and out as an opportunity; an opportunity for the unsung hero of the Giant’s Roster, Steve Weatherford, to come onto the field and make a play. As Giant’s fans, we know how painful it can be to have a bad punter; just look at what Matt Dodge did instead of just kicking the ball out of bounds as he was instructed:
This play cost the giants a shot at the PLAYOFFS
Stevie Weatherford has arguably been the most consistent player on the Giants roster this season. 36% of Weatherford’s punts have pinned the opposing team inside the twenty yard line and only 15% have resulted in touchbacks. No matter how the offense or defense is performing, we can always count on Weatherford to keep us in the game and present the opposing offense with poor field position. Weatherford also serves as the Giant's place holder on kicks, a job that is very important, but not incredibly grueling... Unless you're Tony Romo:
Always a heartwarming clip for Giant's fans/ Cowboy's haters
Additionally, punt returners seem to have trouble holding onto Weatherford’s punts. The 49ers' Kyle Williams fumbled on two punt returns in the NFC East matchup last season. Dez Bryant fumbled the ball on a punt return against the Giants at the end of the first quarter in week eight, giving Big Blue a short field and an opportunity to expand upon their 13-0 lead. Who knows why returners can’t hold onto Steve’s punts? Is it Magic? Is it coincidence? It doesn’t really matter as long as the good results keep coming. Coughlin should let Weatherford play on offense and defense; the man simply knows how to make a play and shake up a game.
In last week’s loss against the Steelers, Emanuel Sanders evaded every player on the giants cover team aside from Weatherford. Sanders was ready to put a simple juke on the last man standing between himself and the end zone and hit pay dirt; however, Steve had other plans. Weatherford showed Sanders who the real man on the field was and easily pushed him to the turf with just one arm.
If he keeps making plays, don’t be surprised if Coughlin, generally a very conservative head coach, dials up one or two fake punts this year.
Also… Is Steve Weatherford the most jacked punter in NFL History?
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