Moorman Honored by Sports Illustrated
Teamkong

In it’s December 29^th issue, Paul Zimmerman, Sports Illustrated NFL writer and prognosticator picked the magazine’s All-Pro team.

The select team is a list of the best at each position this year.  While this is not the official NFL All-Pro Bowl team, which will be released soon, it is a very respected list.

At the position of punter Dr. Z’s choice was former Pitt State All-American and Buffalo Bill punter Brian Moorman.

In the article Zimmerman said, “My punter is Brian Moorman who get the nod based on the number of kicks inside the 20 yard line (20) versus touchbacks (three).

Pro Bowl Snubs Moorman

One would think the only way Brian Moorman would not represent the AFC this year in the Pro Bowl would be if Shane Lechler of the Raiders made it in front of him. 

One would think, wouldn’t they?

Brian Moorman has had a fantastic season.  Despite kicking a hard, leather football in the third windiest city in the United States, Brian put up some amazing numbers this year.  On more than one occasion, he was awarded a game ball by the Head Coach Gregg Williams for his fantastic performance.

Imagine that, a PUNTER given a game ball!

Let’s look at the numbers.  During the season, Brian ranked second in gross punting yard average with a 44.6 yard average.  This is in Buffalo, NY, you know the city right off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario!  This average is the best punting average ever recorded by a Buffalo punter.

Let’s go a bit further into those stats.  Moorman is third in the NFL with a 37.1yard net punting average. 

The next stat which to examine is the ratio of touchbacks to punts inside the twenty yard line.  With twenty-three opportunities, Brian’s punts were downed inside the twenty 91% of the time.  Of the top 8 punters in the NFL, Brian is the best.

Now, if it’s not Shane Lechler, who was chosen for the Pro Bowl, and most importantly, why?  Well, it’s Craig Hentrich of the Tennessee Titans.  Now why is the question everyone wants to know. 

Hentrich was ranked 8^th in the NFL (4^th in the AFC ) in gross punting yards when the selections were made.  His net was less than Brian’s, his touchbacks to inside the twenty ratio was 79%.  It really is a mystery as to why Hentrich was chosen.  He has been around the NFL for 10 years, and is known for his knuckleball punt.  This will be his second Pro Bowl appearance.

Sports media in and around Buffalo as surprised by Moorman’s snub, as much as the fans.  It has even been suggested that the Bills should reward Brian with his Pro Bowl contract incentive, regardless of him only being selected as an alternate.

In only his third NFL season, Brian has shown he is one of the best in the game.  His statistics would be amazing if he were in a more “normal” weather pattern, and especially in a dome.  But regardless his accomplishments are worthy of a Pro Bowl selection.

He was, for the second season in a row named as an alternate.  So, if Hentrich, let’s say pulls a hamstring in the playoffs, Brian would get the Pro Bowl nod.  Usually being second fiddle is not welcome, but when you actually deserve the honor there is nothing wrong with hoping, is there?