Tim Masthay: 2015 Packers Player Report Card

Tim Masthay

  • Age: 28
  • Ht./Wt: 6'1", 200lbs
  • College: Kentucky
  • NFL Experience: 6 years

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Expectations coming into the season: After probably the worst season of his career in 2014, the Packers needed to see some big improvement from Tim Masthay in 2015. However, given that he did put together such a poor season in 2014 (with a net average of 37 yards per punt, the worst of his career), no one was extremely high on Masthay heading into the regular season. 

Player’s highlights/low-lights: The highlight of Masthay's season was undoubtedly the fake punt he converted with a seven-yard run against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16. Given how much the Packers offense struggled in that game, Masthay's first-down conversion was crucial. Unfortunately, he was back out on the field four plays later to punt the ball for real. As for low-lights, nothing completely dismal stands out. Masthay didn't have any punts blocked, and none of his punts were returned for a touchdown. Perhaps one poor play that stands out above the rest was his punt early in the NFC Divisional Round Game against Arizona that gave the Cardinals the ball on the Packers' 42-yard line to begin a drive that ended in a Michael Floyd touchdown.

Level of Expectations met: Given how poorly he played in 2014, Masthay certainly surpassed expectations in 2015. After a career-worst 37-yard net average in 2014, Masthay rebounded with a 40.2-yard net average, which was not only the best of his career but actually broke a franchise record of 39.2 that Jerry Norton held for 52 years. Not bad. 

Grade: B

Player’s contributions to team success: Masthay's successful fake punt for a first down against Arizona was clutch, and he also helped the team with no blocked punts or punts returned for touchdowns, insomuch as he himself can control those stats. However, it wasn't a perfect season for Masthay, who was 31st in punts inside the 20-yard line. A few more punts that pinned opponents back near their own end zone would have gone far to help the Packers defense. 

Grade: C

Player’s contributions in the playoffs: Masthay's net average on eight punts in the postseason was 38.4 yards, down from his regular-season mark of 40.2. However, none were blocked or returned for touchdowns, and he landed one inside the 20. In short, Masthay did about what you'd expect from a starting punter in the playoffs. He was entirely average.  

Grade: C

Intangibles/misc: In 2015, the Packers brought punter Cody Mandell into training camp to give Masthay some competition for the job. Ultimately, Masthay won the day, mainly for his chemistry with kicker Mason Crosby (Mandell struggled as a holder). Masthay is signed through the 2016 season; however, it wouldn't be shocking if the Packers push him to prove himself again in training camp this offseason. 

Grade: B-

 

Overall Grade:  C+

 
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Comments (22)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Lphill's picture

February 13, 2016 at 07:28 am

I have to disagree , D would be more like it maybe no punts were blocked but probably due to good blocking up front , he was just not good , I don't know the stats for the entire league but I would guess he is near the bottom.

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NickPerry's picture

February 13, 2016 at 08:09 am

I know I'm a little off some days but didn't we just play the 2015 season and not the 2016 season????? It's okay Michelle, the start's of New Years always screws me up too. : )

Time for a new punter, perhaps a Vet who can push Masthay. If I remember correctly, Mandell was here such a short time was it ever really a competition? Masthay used to be able to put it inside the 20 with ease. Now he can punt from his own 35 and still miss it seems.

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jasonperone's picture

February 13, 2016 at 09:28 am

It's been updated, thanks Nick!

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lou's picture

February 13, 2016 at 11:36 am

I agree Nick, "time for a new punter", he had 2 seasons to preform better and did not, it was hard watching the playoffs and seeing the punters consistently gain field position for their offenses and even in bad conditions not shank one (Masthay has one every game). The kid they brought in never got a fair chance, the politics of having the same long snapper, same holder for Crosby threw the kid on the street over night. By the way, when Goode went down that worked out OK in reference to the teams politics. Remember, we waited 7 years to send Slocum out of town, time to do the same with Masthay unless he really nails them in camp.

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NickPerry's picture

February 13, 2016 at 06:41 pm

You know Lou it seemed whenever there was pressure on Masthay to really BOOM one, it seemed those would be the times he'd shank it or just have a horrible kick. How many times did we watch the Side Judge standing inside the 20 when he kicked only to run up to the 35 to spot Masthays punt.

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Tundraboy's picture

February 14, 2016 at 09:59 am

Spot on.

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GVPacker's picture

February 13, 2016 at 08:14 am

Always wondered why Ted T cut Jon Ryan. Thats got to be one of his Biggest Brain Farts!

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mrtundra's picture

February 13, 2016 at 08:34 am

I'd give him a "D" grade. All he has to do is punt the damn ball. He was so inconsistent at his job that I'll bet TT either drafts a punter or looks to FA for one. How many times did Masthay give the opposing team a short field to work with? Time to move on.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

February 13, 2016 at 08:50 am

No doubt it was his worst year, I see some competition in camp this year. He better get it together or he will be packing his bags.

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egbertsouse's picture

February 13, 2016 at 09:19 am

its incredible that you give him an above average grade. He deserves a D.

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JerseyAl's picture

February 13, 2016 at 09:26 am

I think what all of you are remembering most is some poor punts in the later part of the season when they really could have used a good punt in those spots. So I get that everyone is pretty down on Masthay. However, taking his season as a whole, it's not as bad as you probably feel it was, and I think it's unlikely the Packers don't bring him back. Just hope there is serious competition for him in camp and it has the same effect it had on Mason Crosby.,

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Tundraboy's picture

February 13, 2016 at 09:34 am

Seems like the way to go. There was a time when he was an advantage.

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Allan Murphy's picture

February 13, 2016 at 01:23 pm

100% agree make him fight for it hope he's working a little harder on the off season this could help him thanks Al .

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GVPacker's picture

February 13, 2016 at 01:47 pm

At the risk of sounding like a Yes Man Al, I agree Uncle Ted has to light a fire under his butt by bringing in some stiff competition for him during training camp!

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Tundraboy's picture

February 13, 2016 at 09:33 am

His short punts were killers. Always came at the worst time. Don't know the answer but we have to do better.

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4thand10's picture

February 13, 2016 at 11:43 am

His short punts were backbreakers...the only punt that "saved" his average was a 55 to 60 yarder with a RECORD WIND SPEED at his back. I forgot with game that was, but at the time I was thinking to myself "Man, that's gonna make his stats better than what they actually are. I want a better punter...I just don't know if one is out there.

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Since'61's picture

February 13, 2016 at 12:32 pm

We need a better punter than Masthay or he needs to improve considerably. His directional punting is very poor especially in key spots during the game as Al mentioned. Look at the job by Denver's punter in the SB. He had a +45 average yards per punt. Carolina started 8 drives inside their own 20. The punter could have been a co-MVP with Von Miller. We need to win the field position phase of the game and give our defense and offense better opportunities. Bring at least one other punter into camp. Thanks, Since '61

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4thand1's picture

February 13, 2016 at 03:42 pm

Guy makes half a mil a year and can't kick a ball 40 yards. There are better punters out there. Give Paul Hornung a call.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 13, 2016 at 05:15 pm

Yeah, I do not think so. I get the net yardage argument, but this is a guy that shanks way too many, and never seems to boom one when needed or pin the other team inside the 20. He is the 17th highest paid punter and will earn $1.3 million. I would be okay spending a late draft pick on a punter, but at least real competition should be brought in.

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4thand1's picture

February 13, 2016 at 07:09 pm

Is Ray Guy still alive?

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Amanofthenorth's picture

February 14, 2016 at 03:50 am

There is a new generation of punters with booming legs and a lot of new techniques. Think of that punter for Dallas who had Hyde running all over the place just to try to catch the punt.

I expect to see serious competiton in camp. Masthay has been sub par and a disaster for pinning teams inside the ten.

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 15, 2016 at 06:31 am

I hope they bring in some SERIOUS competition for Masthay this year. If he beats them out, fine, but I want legit serious competition.

When your punter is best at holding for kicks, that is kind of a problem.
There are so many times that a change of field position would have greatly helped this team out. And Masthay was never able to do it.
Its time to bring in competition.

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