« Pats moves | Main | Warren extension »
Punter Miller is given the boot
FOXBOROUGH — Like a golfer with a deft touch, Josh Miller has a knack for placing punts where he wants, especially inside the 20-yard line. His control earned him the reputation as one of the NFL’s top directional punters over 11 seasons, the last three in New England.
Still, the 37-year-old Miller entered training camp in a fight for his job as he was recovering from shoulder surgery, and Thursday the Patriots decided to head in another direction. The team released Miller, clearing the way for Danny Baugher and Tom Malone, both 23, to compete for the job.
The move comes as a mild surprise, although a series of factors likely contributed to the timing of the move.
The Patriots want more time to assess Baugher and Malone and plan to have them split punting duties Friday night for the second exhibition game in a row. At the same time, Miller needs a chance to show he’s healthy, which the Patriots weren’t ready to provide in a game setting.
Miller had been growing frustrated, and there might have been concern his displeasure would affect Baugher and Malone. Despite paying Miller a $100,000 roster bonus in March, the Patriots cut ties, allowing Miller time to shop his services.
‘‘We’re appreciative of the chance to get on the market a bit early and find Josh a new home,’’ said Glenn Schwartzman, Miller’s agent. ‘‘They wanted to look at the two young guys again and Josh was understandably getting frustrated. In fairness to him, they let him go in a way that doesn’t burn any bridges.’’
Miller, who was limited to 10 games last season because of a shoulder injury, was also the Patriots’ holder on field goals and extra points. That role will likely be held by backup quarterback Matt Cassel.
Financial considerations also could have been part of the decision, as Miller was scheduled to earn $820,000, while Baugher and Malone both have one-year, $285,000 contracts.
Although Baugher and Malone are the lone punters in camp, they shouldn’t get too comfortable. As Miller used to say, the Patriots probably have a handful of veteran punters on speed dial, and 12-year veteran Mitch Berger was in for a tryout earlier in the month.
Part of the Patriots’ thinking might be to see how Baugher and Malone react without a veteran presence in camp, similar to how the team handled the placekicker situation with Stephen Gostkowski last year, as veteran Martin Gramatica was released after two exhibition games.
At this point, Baugher appears to be the favorite.
The former University of Arizona product punted three times last Friday at Tampa Bay, with his final attempt — a high, 48-yarder from the New England 42 — the best of the bunch.
Malone, of Southern California, was called upon twice in the opener and both situations required punts to be downed inside the 20. Yet both times, the ball landed in the end zone for touchbacks.
Although Baugher has displayed the stronger leg more consistently in practice, Malone seems to be coming on.
Both players have practice squad eligibility, so it’s possible both could remain with the club — although one would be on the eight-man practice squad.
Patrick added
The Patriots claimed rookie offensive lineman Chris Patrick off waivers from the Giants Thursday. Patrick, who was eligible for July’s supplemental draft after playing 18 games for Nebraska from 2004-06, signed with New York as a free agent. Patrick, 22, could play tackle or guard but is a long shot to earn a roster spot. He could be a candidate for the practice squad.
The team also released first-year center/guard Brian Barthelmes, who spent 12 weeks on the practice squad during the 2007 regular season and playoffs.
Traveling tips
Fans attending Friday night’s game are reminded to allow more time than usual to drive to the stadium. Parking lots will open at 4 p.m.
The Patriots have passed along the following tips:
-- A rearrangement of the parking lots has relocated the majority of stadium parking spaces on the opposite side of Route 1 from Gillette Stadium. Fans should plan to park across the street from the stadium for the easiest ingress and egress.
-- With major construction on Interstate 495 at Exit 14 (Route 1), including temporary onramps and offramps, extreme caution is advised.
Friday commuter traffic and summer vacation traffic is expected, which fans may not be accustomed to during regular-season weekend games.
The parking lots on the opposite side of Route 1 from Gillette Stadium have been expanded. This change may alter many fans’ parking routine. Fans should be reminded of the following tips:
Traveling from the North: Stay right on Route 1 approaching the stadium and follow signs for P10 for easiest ingress and egress. To access the stadium, fans must cross Route 1 at the marked pedestrian crossings.
Traveling from the South: Because of the newly built median on Route 1, the decision on which side of Route 1 to park must be made prior to the Pine Street intersection (near the Seasonal Specialty Stores and The Lafayette House). Fans wishing to park on the left side of Route 1 (P10 or P11) must stay to the left of the median. Fans wishing to park on the stadium side of Route 1 must stay to the right (P8 or P7).
