What The Heck?! Patriots Cut Punter Ryan Allen
In Super Bowl 53, Julian Edelman walked away as the easiest choice for the MVP award. But there was an interesting second choice that was considered. That second choice? That would be punter Ryan Allen. Allen did a phenomenal job that night of keeping the Rams deep inside their own territory to start drives. That’s why this move yesterday by the Patriots comes as a bit of a surprise. The Patriots released Allen yesterday.
News story: Punter Ryan Allen, whose performance in Super Bowl LIII was critical in the Patriots’ win, is informed that he is being released. Rookie Jake Bailey wins the job. https://t.co/OMxx9Ah1P7
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 19, 2019
This comes as a bit of a surprise as Allen had been the Patriots punter since the 2013 season. He won three Super Bowls with the team. He also had some impressive stats in the Super Bowls, when it mattered the most.
Thank you Ryan Allen.
In Super Bowl XLIX, he punted four times for 196 yards and set a then Super Bowl record with a 64-yard punt.
In Super Bowl LI. Allen punted four times for 166 yards.
In Super Bowl LIII. Allen punted five times for 215 yards.
3× Super Bowl Champion.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) August 20, 2019
The numbers speak for themselves. Allen will be missed. But, don’t think the Patriots are in any trouble at the punter position.
This Opens Up The Door For Jake Bailey
The fifth round punter out of Stanford University must have done something right. The Patriots have been very pleased with Bailey, enough to let go of Allen. This opens a huge door for the 22 year old punter. Keep in mind, he was placed on the All-Pac-12’s Second Team in 2017 and 2018. The kid obviously has some talent. He is also a rarity for Bill Belichick. Bailey is a right-footed punter, the team has had left-footed punters for the longest time. So, this is a sign that changes will come when the time is right in New England.
In Conclusion
The move does come as a bit of a surprise. But, Allen will never be forgotten in New England. The Patriots will not lose sleep over getting rid of a punter. Thanks for the memories, Ryan Allen! If anybody else wants something to remember him by, here are highlights from the most previous Super Bowl.
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)