Does Matt Dodge Need A Shrink? Jeff Feagles Thinks So
by Ed Valentine on Oct 5, 2010 2:22 PM EDT
in New York Giants News
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Retired former New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles thinks a sports psychologist can help rookie punter Matt Dodge maximize his considerable talent.
"I told Jerry Reese [Giants general manager] a couple of weeks ago that Matt has all the physical talent in the world but that maybe bringing in a sports psychologist can really help him," said Feagles. "Mentally, there's just a part of this game, especially with punters and kickers, that you have to overcome. This kid, I've seen him kick it to the moon on the side practice field and then you put him behind a line and sometimes he can't kick it out of a paper bag. That's too much talent to let go to waste so trying everything, including a sports psychologist, is worth it."
Reese confirmed that the Giants have taken Feagles' advice to heart, even as they have contemplated whether they need to get a more experienced punter and yet still utilize Dodge's leg strength on kickoffs.
"As great as [Feagles] was in his career, even he struggled early on in Arizona and he got some help [from a sports psychologist]," said Reese. "We really like Matt's talent but you know how it is kicking in that stadium with that crowd reacting [with boos] when he struggled with some things. And, he actually got a couple of good kicks off late in the game."
As far as I'm concerned, whatever works is fine with me. Get him some help, get him straightened out or get outta Dodge and get a new punter.
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Uggg....I can't watch the muffed punt anymore.....he coulda picked the ball up and crawled for a first down
that’s football 101
he’s clearly flustered back there…..and i’m not sure why….you’ve basically been the epitome of a bum….you can’t go any lower. Well actually….I guess he could…..someone call Dr. Phil stat
"Things have to change" - Antrel Rolle
"If I'm curt, then I apologize" - Newman
Dodge
I still firmly believe that his upside is worth the current patience as he goes through his growing pains. Given a lot of Dodge’s comments after games, I am sure that a sports psychologist can help him out and certainly couldn’t hurt. Feagles supporting it only reinforces that, in my opinion.
I love his talent
I just hope he doesn’t kill the Giants … or give TC a heart attack … before he fully realizes it.
Tom Quinn
Hey Ed, remember last year when you talked about how Quinn changed both Tynes and Feagles’ mechanics and how both obviously suffered because of it? Remember how you mentioned that this year Tynes has basically given Quinn the cold shoulder and done things his own way? Well my question is how much of this can be attributed to Quinn screwing with the poor kids mechanics and because he is a rookie he is being killed and loosing confidence because of it.
I remember last year and we were all killing feagles and saying he was old and he was done, and that was Feagles! This poor kid wouldnt stand a chance! I think he needs to just ignore a lot of the negative things and just focus on doing what he knows best, booming it! The corner kicks will come in time, if he can just boom every kick he will be good enough this year.
by Daffe1sFlame on Oct 5, 2010 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
amen
A guy like Tynes or Feagles maybe has the wherewithall to say to themself, ’I’ve been around a long time and know wtf I am doing, forget this guy."
A rookie? Quinn could be crushing his potential
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Oct 6, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that this is likely partly correct...
But as with any other vocation where there are moments of intense pressure combined with periods of boredom (or better said, periods where you are a spectator and can think), a good boss/coach should be something of a shrink himself. My thoughts on Quinn are largely defined by what I’ve read here. Translated: this is not a man who is good at his job. I have a feeling that with a good coach the need for a shrink would be minimized, but that’s likely not the case here.
I'm with you
I think we all know how important a good punter could be to a team after Feagles (and his not-so-great final season). But it’s not like this is a QB, a C, or even a DT. We can afford a lil bit of leeway to put the time in to develop this young talent. Remember what we said about Tynes? He still hasn’t cost us a game, and I think we’ve all been pleasantly surprised how he’s come along (while not great, has much improved leg strength). He doesn’t have the luxury of being in a position that you can be deep at.
But if he DOES cost us a game, then I’ll probably be calling for his head, too.
Its all between his ears
but he has to work it out….quickly. If it helps him then get someone in asap!
I want more JPP and I want it now!
He needs to get laid
nobody makes me bleed my own blood! - Eli Manning
by TheWenz on Oct 5, 2010 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe
we could get Inez Sainz to interview him.
by YankeeDudeL on Oct 5, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wish I came up with that one!
"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)
Maybe she can
Use that Sharon Stone cross over move from “Basic Instinct” to get his mind off of football for a few minutes. That’s an interview I’d grant!
by ronjohnson on Oct 5, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He needs to get laid
Did somebody order a pizza?
I say give it a try
If therapy can help Dodge, it’s definitely worth a shot. He’s obviously got the physical ability, and if getting his head right can lead to more consistency on the field then get him to a shrink ASAP.
Ed
wtf man? Where is the cheerleader pic?
Please get Phil Simms in the Hall of Fame
I'm not Feagles
It’s funny…I posted this on the 4th…
It has to be mental with Dodge…
When he muffed the first punt my jaw hit the floor and I was within milliseconds of launching my remote into my TV…then he muffs the hold on the FG…then the line drive to Hester (who he cracked)…I’m starting to buy into the Quinn theory. This kid obviously has a huge leg and didn’t suck in college. I understand the difference in speed of the game but he is making more mistakes in other areas…not just the punts.
I’m thinking that he feels the pressure on his back and it’s making him have these lapses in fundamentals. They happen so early in the game, too…that leads me to believe that he is worrying right up until he is first called upon.
I may be the only one but even with all the mistakes I’m saying let’s give this kid the rest of the year to settle down. Moving Dodge won’t solve the majority of our ST play so let him grow while we fix everything else. Hey maybe that will light a fire under the offense. They need to start putting up some points because it may be a long season with the special teams we have.
"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)
After
Dodge visits the sports shrink, then Burnett can be the next patient in the waiting room, ahhh too
late for that this year, you bum!
"No one played more for the Giants, while being coached less".
Ex-Giants coach, Steve Owens, talking about Mel Hein.
Ding Dong
Hello, I’m here to clean the pool….
Dodge played Peter Gibbons in Office Space, right?
Seriously he’s a dead ringer for that guy. Plus he seems to be openly neglecting his duties on the job, so I’m starting to get suspicious.
Hiiiiiiiiiiii
I’m gonna need you to come in on saturday to do some punts. O also I’m goona need you on sunday too. Thanks
Superman is back!
by The Always Well Dressed... on Oct 5, 2010 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear he's been having some trouble
with his TPS reports.
"Stop the run to earn the right to rush the passer"- great philosophy from new SU DLine coach Jimmy Brumbaugh.
by bigbluethruandthru on Oct 5, 2010 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder
if anyone told TC “looks like someone is having a case of the mondays”?
Superman is back!
by The Always Well Dressed... on Oct 5, 2010 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Give him a chance
I have confidence in dodge… have you seen him when he’s on? Feagles was awesome at getting it inside the 20, but that was because he couldn’t kick it any farther. Dodge will get us out of deep jams and eventually will figure out the short stuff. We need to groom our own talent, i’ll give him the whole season to figure this out. We’d have to punt a lot less if the offense could get a couple longer drives and if we had any faith in Tynes.
We are talking about a punter
Not a QB, LT, RB, DE….not even a kicker. How much upisde does a punter really have??? You need an average punter that can give a little hang time and pin the other team deep. Shane Lechler is the best punter in the league, its not translating into wins. He is terrible, and we cant really afford anymore ST’s mishaps.
What I don't understand
Is ok, you’ve got a guy that has a lot of talent – but doesn’t know how to play yet. A Developmental guy.
So, how do you get that guy on the PRACTICE SQUAD, where he belongs so that you can develop him? We carry guys like Sinorice Moss on the roster ALL year for years, and we never even see them, they barely sniff the field. Yet we have to actually PLAY a guy like Dodge and suffer? Honestly, I don’t get it. Any crappy veteran punter with half as strong a leg would be better for the Giants right now as long as they were consistent.
We need to find a way to shelve Dodge and let him develop, can we IR him with a hangnail or a Rodney Dangerfield “oh my arm, its broken” ?
We've had injuries
on this team to the toe, ankle, knee, calve, thigh, hamstring, back, neck, etc. Guess its time for an injury to the physche.
It seemed....
he performed better after the first half Sunday night so hopefully he’s got it figured out.
Beadle is awesome
but she could take down more of that wiener if she tried a bit harder
nobody makes me bleed my own blood! - Eli Manning
I'm trying so hard
but I can’t look away. There goes 20 minutes of my life.
No matter what happens, at the end of the day, I will always bleed Giants Blue.
by Mother Tucker on Oct 5, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
lol....she hypnotized me too
"Things have to change" - Antrel Rolle
"If I'm curt, then I apologize" - Newman
I wonder how many ESPN guys are trying to tap that
I’ve worked at some big offices and companies and it’s like Mad Men: the 2010 version. I hope whoever the executive or producer is, he’s doing her justice.
"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss
she even turns sideways to give you the profile
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Oct 6, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Most likely the best "shrink" they can get
is to get rid of the idiot putting things in Dodge’s ear. Yea…that Quinn guy.
Winning cures all...even stupid
Our defense can use a sports psychologist too
If they lay an egg like they did in Indy. Obviously there’s something wrong with the defenses’ mentality over the past 2 years when they show up for one game and look dominant, or they play down to the level of their opponent and don’t show up.
Dodge doesn't need a shrink...
….he needs a new career choice.
"Anthony Randolph has hall of fame skills" - GALLO!
Why don't we Dodge kick off?
He certainly couldn’t do worse than Tynes. Tynes apparently wore his leg out during preseason when he actually kicked a couple of good ones.
by giant fan since 57 on Oct 5, 2010 5:06 PM EDT reply actions
First he has to figure out how to punt the ball.
No matter what happens, at the end of the day, I will always bleed Giants Blue.
by Mother Tucker on Oct 5, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
The guy scares the crap out of me everytime he punts!
Dodge needs to fear he will be cut if he keeps this garbage up.
Tryout
I read on NJ.com that the Giants gave a tryout to Hunter Smith, the former Colts and Redskin punter.
Dodge has potential, but he is scaring me. Can he go to the practice squad for some seasoning?
As long as we don't ask Smith
to throw a Swinging Gate pass after calling it two plays in a row. Possibly the best highlight of a miserable season.
"Stop the run to earn the right to rush the passer"- great philosophy from new SU DLine coach Jimmy Brumbaugh.
by bigbluethruandthru on Oct 5, 2010 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Punter is FINALLY brought in for a tryout
Hunter Smith, formerly of the Colts and Skins. Veteran guy. I don’t know how much longer Dodge can last.
I want more JPP and I want it now!
Randy Moss traded to Vikings?
Jay Glazer is reporting it.
"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss
Yup
He says that Moss and Minny is working out a contract.
"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss
That would be HUGE
Please keep him in the AFC….please. I don’t want to see him on the Vikings.
I wonder what they are going to give up for him?
I want more JPP and I want it now!
That's exactly what I thought...
Now I have to hope that Favre plays like a 60 year old,..
"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)
Didn't he have only one throw his way Monday night?
The Pats must have gotten sick of hearing Moss complain about being unappreciated.
by giant fan since 57 on Oct 5, 2010 8:29 PM EDT reply actions
not a surprise
zero catches in MNF then traded the next day.
"I don't do many endorsements. I'd rather get doused by Gatorade than bust my butt selling it." - Bill Parcells
But the Pats don't have anyone to replace Moss
The Pats don’t have a running game and Welker isn’t good enough to be a no.1 without someone else on the other side.
"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss
they have plenty to replace him
Moss has done nothing lately anyway. Belichek knows what he’s got there; Brandon Tate when he was actually healthy was as good as any WR at UNC (including Hak), and those 2 TEs are solid as well. And of course Welker is there.
Winning cures all...even stupid
I'll replace him
"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)
and of course they have the Raiders pick this year
in this draft which is stocked with big tall WRs.
Also I bet Randy bitched up a storm after not getting any catches
Winning cures all...even stupid
I was surprised when they dumped Maroney
but it’s hard to believe that they don’t have some kind of plan prepared. for this
by giant fan since 57 on Oct 5, 2010 8:32 PM EDT reply actions
Not surprised here
Maroney is terrible and the broncos are regretting that trade.
by ap1150 on Oct 6, 2010 8:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
PFT Mike Florio cries foul
He is going against Glazer’s report that Moss and Minny are working out a contract.
"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss
It's on NFL.com now
"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)
Dodge
Dodge has more potential than Tynes, at least.
I agree. Tynes has never been anything but a lower tier kicker.
The Giants should have dumped him last year. At least there is a chance that Dodge can excel.
by giant fan since 57 on Oct 5, 2010 8:43 PM EDT reply actions
As fustrating as Tynes is... and boy is he fustrating
I still like his mental toughness. I do agree that we could and should look for an upgrade in the kicking game.
by Late for Dinner on Oct 6, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with Free's comment earlier...
The Giants need to get a sports psycologist, and he needs to convince Quinn to resign and Dodge to just kick the damn ball like he did in college and forget he ever met Quinn.
Dolphins fire special teams coach
It didn’t seem like too difficult a choice for the Dolphins.
They looked like a fish out of water last night...
Or a mammal to be proper
"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)
this is kind of a crazy question...but I get these commercials on CableVision
and they say FOX 5 is in some disagreement w/ CableVision blah blah blah….and that it could be off the air starting in October. Now normally I wouldn’t care, but what about Giants games? This could be an epic fail. I remember it happened with the Food channel too and they were off the air for like 2 months…and yes, i watch the FoodTV channel
"Things have to change" - Antrel Rolle
"If I'm curt, then I apologize" - Newman
October 16th is D-Day
This story says that 10/16 is when FOX could disappear from Cablevision and that it would affect NY Giants fans and Philly fans, since both teams have their local games on FOX.
"I was going to separate from this guy and make him look silly." -- Kevin Boss
A hard question:
Who do you hate more, Fox or the Dolans?
Jay Alford released by the Raiders....
Not sure if that means it’s over for Jay…..
If it is…thanks for the Superbowl memories Jay!
I want more JPP and I want it now!
Usually takes a player 2 years to come back from a knee injury....
I hope Jay is able to start fresh with someone next season. Last year he looked like he was going to be a player before the knee injury.
by Late for Dinner on Oct 6, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
No return?
Only time you’ll hear that phrase used with a Giants’ punt
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Oct 6, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
HOLY ZING!
Thirty-nine seconds left...Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York.
by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 6, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
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