Sepulveda Is Lost!

Well, I know he is just a punter, but in my opinion, it is a huge loss and a key injury for the season, hopefully it is the only loss. Daniel Sepulveda showed his worth in his rookie campaign and we will most definitely miss him in this upcoming season.

Recent Career					Punting
Year	Team	G			Punt	Yds	Avg	Long	In20	In10	FC	TB	Blk
2007	Pittsburgh	16			68	2880	42.4	59	28	7	14	2	0

These are his rookie season statistics. It may be just numbers to anyone, but his percentage of punts inside the 20 were nothing short of phenomenal, especially for a rookie. We will be made to search around to find a punter with half as much talent because, as we should know, there is not an overflowing demand for punters as well as a large supply of them. I say it is a key position because it is a major part of Special Teams, which is a big key to success in the NFL. If you are able to pin teams inside the 20, it is statistically and physically harder for them to drive the field and score a touchdown. Those teams that get pinned deep have more of a tendency to kick a field goal, with the exception of the Patriots last season. Obviously, the idea to come away with will sound like a John Madden quote...you score less if you score field goals instead of touchdowns!

By The Tribune-Review
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Daniel Sepulveda, the Steelers' second-year punter, likely will be lost for the season with an injured right knee.

Coach Mike Tomlin said today that Sepulveda was injured Monday, the first day of training camp, and underwent an MRI later in the day, which revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

"My knee has been shaky for a while," Sepulveda said, adding that it didn't feel right while warming up Monday.

Results of the MRI today confirmed the prognosis. It is the second time Sepulveda has torn the ACL in his right knee.

Today, the Steelers claimed punter Paul Ernster off waivers from the Detroit Lions. He is expected to arrive in training camp tonight.

"It's unfortunate for Daniel on a personal level, but it's part of football," Tomlin said. "That's what this game is about. We have to prepare to move forward, and we'll do that."