The Tennessee Titans release punter Ryan Allen. Trevor Daniel gets another opportunity to punt for the Titans this Sunday at Baltimore. Did Tennessee make the right choice by keeping Daniel over Allen?
Brett Kern has been one of the best punters in Titans-Oiler’s history. However, Kern was placed on the injured reserve list a few weeks ago. The Titans thought they had the answer in former New England Patriot Ryan Allen. After a good kicking performance last Sunday versus the Bears, Allen was set to be the full-time replacement for Kern. Coach Mike Vrabel had other ideas.
On a short week with the Titans playing on Thursday night, Daniel became the new punter. With the Titans defense struggling, and Gostkowski kicking 60%, why focus on punter? On Thursday, the Titans were up 17-13 in the third quarter when everything was about to change. Trevor Daniel was set to punt deep inside the Titan’s side of the field. Seventeen yards later, the Colts were back in business inside the Titan’s 30-yard line. The next punt from Daniel was blocked and returned for a touchdown. One would think this was not the start the former Texan was looking for.
One reason that comes up for Daniel over Allen is the hang time. Apparently, Allen was not able to give his punt coverage enough time to get down the field. However, with so many other issues for the Titans, why zone in on the punter? Would you rather have a stronger leg or more experience is what this decision comes down to? Coach Vrabel is betting on the stronger leg for the second week in a row. Fans may remember Trevor when he punted for the University of Tennessee. The Titans were once 5-0 but have lost the past three out of four. Special teams will need to improve if Tennessee wants to knock off Baltimore on Sunday.