By PFC Chargers team writer Robert Murdock
There are some who believe that a draft pick is wasted on a punter. Two words are all that one would need to dispel that notion: Mike Scifres.
Upon entering the NFL after being selected by the Chargers in the fifth-round of the 2003 draft, Scifres had the opportunity to learn a few things from another great punter in Darren Bennett, for which Scifres has expressed genuine gratitude. He has since proven himself to be one of the best at his position, and in many peoples’ opinions, he is currently at the top of that list. He has shown that he can boom with the best, having recorded career-long punts of 71 yards, and is second to none with regards to his pinpoint accuracy.
Few punters contribute enough of an impact to be considered a weapon. Mike Scifres is exactly that with his ability to place an additional degree of pressure to opposing offenses with his incredible accuracy, coupled with almost unbelievable hang-times which result in a high percentage of his punts being downed inside the twenty yard line. For comparison, recent Pro Bowl starting punter Shane Lechler of the Oakland Raiders had attempted 73 punts in the most recent season, 25 of which were downed inside the twenty yard line, and 40 were returned. Mike Scifres attempted 81 punts, which resulted in 36 of which being downed inside the twenty, and just 29 returned. Scifres’ abilities force the opposing offenses to worry about the long field ahead of them as well as avoiding a safety. It also often serves as a motivator for his own team’s defense.
While Scifres has twice been named as an alternate, it is somewhat surprising that a player of his caliber has not yet been a Pro Bowl starter. Though his skills are already phenomenal, Scifres is a man who carries the attitude that there is always room to improve, something that he seems to have done season after season, and the upcoming season should be no exception. Perhaps this will be the year that the powers-that-be will look beyond net yardage, to consider the actual impact that a player with the skills that Scifres consistently displays have on the outcome of games, and finally award him with a much deserved first-ballot Pro Bowl nod.
1 response so far ↓
1 jackfrost // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:19 am
Sci-Fi is indeed a Weapon for this Team, giving our “D” the great start’s they have by pinning the Opposition deep in their own half. That alone is something that gives the “D” that extra incentive and you can see it in their play……….they love to “Score” points, and when your so close to the End Zone, the adrenilin is that much higher.
All this is because of a Great Punters abiliy to pinpoint his kicks, and that’s what Sci-Fi is brilliant at.
He consistently pins the Opponent deep against their own Goalline and it’s a real “Team Lifter”………….
He is truely appreciated by the Charger faithful who understand his importance to this Club, keep it up Mike………….you make this Aussie proud to call you a true Marksman when it comes to “Kicking”.
You must log in to post a comment.