Statistical analysis: Hunter Smith's production

Hunter Smith was purportedly released by the Redskins for his punting and not for his flubbed hold on the failed extra point that would have sent Sunday's game into overtime. It's true that Smith's gross distances were below his career average and near the bottom of the league this season, but it's not nearly that simple. Over Smith's 12-year career, he has averaged 43.0 gross yards per punt, ranging from a high of 45.0 yards per punt to a low of 40.5 yards per punt, which he grossed both this season and in 2002 with the Colts. That's right in line with the league averages over the past decade. Gross punting yards alone is not a good way to measure punters. It's sensitive to several factors beyond a punter's control, including weather and blocking. But the most important factor by far is field position. The league's best punters often have