The Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) needed to make a change after their ugly, 27-6 loss on Sunday to the Arizona Cardinals, and the first scapegoat is second-year punter Chas Henry. He will be replaced by veteran training camp standout Mat McBriar, who was released due to concerns over his lingering drop foot injury he sustained at the end of last season.
McBriar working out with the team during training camp (via PhilaPhans).
Henry struggled mightily last year, ranking in the bottom five in nearly every major punting category; the Florida four-year letterman won the Ray Guy Award, awarded to the nation’s top punter, in 2010. Since entering the league, however, it’s been a different story. After averaging a net average of only 36.9 yard per punt last season, an above average training camp left Andy Reid feeling confident enough to give him the full-time job once again. Unfortunately, in the first three weeks, he made a marginal improvement, averaging 38.0 net yards per punt.
McBriar, a former two-time All-Pro punter with the Dallas Cowboys, was released after last season by the ‘Boys because of the drop foot injury. He worked hard to seriously challenge Chas Henry during the preseason, but it wasn’t enough to assuage concerns over his health. Luckily for him, the front office had seen enough of Henry and unanimously decided to re-sign McBriar as the starter.
The 33-year old Australian native averaged over 41 yards per punt in his last healthy season and will also be taking over holding duties for second-year kicker Alex Henery.
Well, sending the punter packing ought to fix it… ☺