Secrecy shrouds long snapper Katula
Long snapper Matt Katula returned to practice today after sitting out Wednesday's session with an elbow injury. Katula's absence on Wednesday seemed to beg the question of who would handle long-snapping duties if Katula was unavailable for Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Well, the Ravens have not officially listed a backup to Katula on the team's depth chart. So special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg was asked about the glaring omission.
"That's curious," Rosburg said before avoiding the subject.
Pressed on his expectation for Katula, Rosburg said, "I have no information for you on that."
Katula was slightly more forthcoming, saying that his elbow is sore, but he doesn't expect it to prevent him from playing against the Bengals.
"It’s not a big deal," he said. "It’s kind of been brewing for a little bit, I guess. Just a repetitive-motion type of thing. Just have to be smart about reps and stuff right now."
Comments
Perhaps this is why his snaps have been screwy this year.
Posted by: BHC | November 5, 2009 3:32 PM
maybe someone can clear this up for me...I looked up Katula and it looks like he is a LS and always has been a LS...so why do we have one guy dedicated as a LS instead of making a backup center (as I have seen before) or someone else as a LS? Seems like we waste a roster spot for a dedicated LS, but we cant have two kickers on the team? Someone talk me down!!
Posted by: Dave | November 5, 2009 3:45 PM
hope he is gonna be fine, because i expect a close one with the bengals sunday and i don't want a bad snap for the winning kickoff with an already fragile hauschka...GO RAVENS GO!
Posted by: mika from france | November 5, 2009 3:51 PM
Is this why is snaps have been off target all year?
Posted by: mark | November 5, 2009 9:53 PM
Dave, a poor snap will cost you points (bad snap on punt) or will cost you FG points. A kickoff specialist and short feild goal kicker is a waste......you don't have to agree I'm just trying to talk you down.
Posted by: jayslick | November 5, 2009 11:31 PM
---"Seems like we waste a roster spot for a dedicated LS, but we cant have two kickers on the team? Someone talk me down!!"
The difference between a long snapper and a center is simlar to the difference between a right tackle and a left tackle. They are similar positions, but the mechanics are quite a bit different. Just like with tackles, they are not necessarily interchangeable. ( Michael Oher is an unusual talent). There is a difference between handing the ball to the QB and throwing a perfect spiral 15 yards, upside down, through your legs, to a target that is smaller and lower than a baseball strike zone. This is why some teams carry a specialist on the roster
Posted by: RavenMaven | November 6, 2009 2:02 AM
jayslick...sorry I wasnt talked down :) because I can see training a LS rather then training a kicker. I feel there are more variables for a kicker to need better instincts then a LS.
Posted by: Dave | November 6, 2009 8:49 AM
No reason to believe this is a "new" thing for him. His snaps have been off since the pre-season. Props to Koch for pulling in some of those balls for FG tries.
Posted by: pete | November 6, 2009 9:43 AM