Packers Release Punter and Green Bay Native Peter Mortell

The Packers' punting competetition has come to an end. While Green Bay has not made the official announcement yet, Peter Mortell kind of did so himself on his instagram account: His words:

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That smile has been there since April 30th, the day I signed as a Packer. While my football journey will continue elsewhere, I can't begin to describe what these past four months have meant to me. Every kid who grows up in Wisconsin dreams of putting on the Green and Gold. I'm proud to say I made that dream a reality. I can't thank my family, friends, and fans enough for their support throughout my time here. YOU are what makes this team so special. I was a fan of this team the day I was born, and I'm an even bigger fan of this team today. You see the smile in that picture? Don't worry, it's still there as I type this.
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Also, I am undefeated as a Packer. That's pretty damn cool. God Bless and, as always, Go Pack Go!

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From my perspective, this was not really meant to be a fair competition from the start, but rather Mortell was playing the role of Giorgio Tavecchio; brought in to send the incumbent kicker a not-so-subtle message, but never really expected to seriously compete for the job. 

In fairess to Mortell, however, he made it closer than anyone could have imagined. The Packers did him a favor releasing him now, perhaps giving him a better chance to get looked at by another team. 

While not impressive, Masthay was better overall than Mortell. The Packers might have a new strategy, however. Perhaps there is something to glean by how often the Packers have elected not to punt on fourth down this preseason.

As for why Masthay was better, here are some pertinent facts from Bob McGinn:

 

 

 

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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

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Comments (20)

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 29, 2016 at 11:34 am

I thought he had a chance when he showed well in the first pre-season game. He just didn't progress. He's a good punter and I think he'll get another shot in the NFL. Maybe not this year, but a lot of punters bounce around a bit before it clicks and they make it. Good luck Mr. Mortell.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 29, 2016 at 01:46 pm

Mortell did not have possibility to made mistake. He did with first punt last game. I think this kid will be hell of the punter...
Now, Packers will count on Tim Mashtay and he will fail in the most important times, as always. His worst punts always comes in the hardest time for the team...
I will keep my fingers crossed that Tim will overcome that minus...
Go, Pack, Go...

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dobber's picture

August 29, 2016 at 11:39 am

Here's hoping the Packers don't punt very much.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2016 at 11:41 am

Mortell I also believed was brought in to be the Giorgio Tavecchio.
I think Mortell gave Masthay a lot more competition then most figured he would.

I was honestly pulling for Mortell. I love that he was from Green Bay. I thought he did a really good job.

Hopefully Masthay proves they made the right choice, if not the competition may not be over yet.

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L's picture

August 29, 2016 at 12:25 pm

I was wrong. I thought Mortell would be given the opportunity to take this Punter battle down to the final cut where he'd lose, but instead he's been let go early.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2016 at 01:09 pm

I wasn't sure if they would cut one before the last game or not, but I thought it was a possibility. I think the last game decided his fate. If Mortell would have clearly outkicked Masthay, I think he would have stayed on the roster through the next game.

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sheppercheeser's picture

August 29, 2016 at 12:27 pm

Well, thank goodness the pressure is off. Now Masthay can continue his penchant for short hang times and falling on his face during the playoffs. Very disappointed in this move, but TT has a history of hanging on to has-been veterans.

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Point-Packer's picture

August 29, 2016 at 12:31 pm

Keep working. Increase your hang time. And then take over the job next year after Masthay has yet another sub par year.

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ORIGINAL PACKATTACK's picture

August 29, 2016 at 02:04 pm

very few punters make it straight out of college--many kick arounds camps for yr or 2 building leg strength and more importantly dropping time of getting punts off--many have to lose a step to get kick off faster which can screw with the (bad) habits from college.

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al bundy's picture

August 29, 2016 at 02:32 pm

Best of luck kid. How knows, maybe he will be back.

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4EVER's picture

August 29, 2016 at 02:37 pm

No better time to post it again...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623989-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-3...

Bleacher Report ranking the top 32 punters of 2015...and what do you know, Tim Masthay doesn't crack the top 32, again, Tim Masthay didn't crack the top 32. It would be hysterical if weren't for him being a Packer.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 29, 2016 at 04:26 pm

Keep posting this forever! There is a new breed of punter and Peter wasn't one of them. I doubt any can remember, but the cowboy punter was unbelievable. He had Hyde doing all he could just to catch his booming punts. His performance opened my eyes that G's punting situation is primitive.

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derper's picture

August 29, 2016 at 04:12 pm

One less Golden Gopher in the NFL. I'm fine with that.

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Oppy's picture

August 29, 2016 at 06:37 pm

I hope the Packers do not keep Masthay. I would not have been so decisive about that last year, believe it or not.

I found it to be a very, very bad sign that a veteran punter in a position battle punted so abysmally in two of three preseason games. That, to me, is an indication of a player who just might choke away a big moment.

I have a pretty bad feeling that Mortell is going to be another Jon Ryan for the Packers- a guy they will regret letting go of down the line.

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4thand1's picture

August 29, 2016 at 09:23 pm

So what I've read is, punting is the weakest link on this team. I can live with it.

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ray nichkee's picture

August 30, 2016 at 12:24 am

You're close there with your assessment but I would say it's the cheerleaders.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 30, 2016 at 08:28 am

some more cuts being made:

Rob Demovsky
ESPN Staff Writer

Tight end Mitchell Henry (hand) and running John Crockett (shoulder) both have injuries that likely would keep them out past Week 1, per sources. Both expected to be waived/injured.

The Packers have waived Kennard Backman, a sixth-round pick last year. The tight end has a minor knee injury that will require a scope, according to a source. Surgery is expected this week.

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Point-Packer's picture

August 30, 2016 at 05:14 pm

Masthay gone. Three years too late. Good riddance. Apparently a street punter was better than the Ginger Wolverine and if Mortell could have performed even a bit better, he would have been on the roster.

So much for the Crosby prefers Masthay holding mumbo jumbo.

Hopefully we've seen our last string of ugly shanks for awhile in Packerland.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

August 30, 2016 at 07:50 pm

I think Peter can be brought back in a heartbeat, it might be sooner than we know.

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Bohj's picture

August 30, 2016 at 08:10 pm

Masthay gone. I'm really nervous about our field goal routine now. Consistency in that department is crucial. Yikes.

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