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Punter analysis

ANALYSIS

The reason for the Patriots roster move today -- waiving first-year punter Danny Baugher and signing veteran Chris Hanson -- likely traces to what Bill Belichick said after the Patriots' 27-24 preseason loss to the Titans on Aug. 17.

When asked if he concurred that Baugher took a step toward winning the punting job that night, Belichick replied: "It's going to be consistency. I think pretty much anybody on this team has talent, or anybody in this league at this point has talent. It's a question of consistency and performance. We'll see how that goes."

Baugher had cranked a 70-yard punt against the Titans, but Belichick's point was that it was going to take more than one notable punt to win the job. Apparently, Baugher's consistency in practice and games wasn't at a level that the team was comfortable with, hence the decision to bring in Hanson, who had been cut by the Saints on Tuesday.

Hanson has more of a track record than Baugher, so the Patriots have a better idea of the type of consistency they might receive. And with Baugher still eligible for the practice squad, assuming he clears waivers, it's possible that the Patriots could wind up keeping both punters.