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Detroit Lions punter says no issues between him and long snapper

By Cory Buck

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Alex Henery (5) kicks a field goal and misses as punter Sam Martin (6) holds the ball during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Buffalo won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Alex Henery (5) kicks a field goal and misses as punter Sam Martin (6) holds the ball during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Buffalo won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions have had a tough couple of days following the team’s agonizing 17-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on the heels of three missed second-half field goals. The Lions soon cut their kicker, Alex Henery, after that Week 5 game because his performance was so abysmal. Naturally, those wobbly kicks led some to wonder whether it was just Henery or something else making those kicks so bad. That’s why punter Sam Martin, who holds on field goals, wants you to know that if you’re looking for someone else to blame, don’t look at him.

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“Up to this point, no misses have been because of holds and snaps,” Martin said, per ESPN. “I think our operation has been pretty sound, actually.”

It’s hard to believe anything is right with Detroit’s special teams after watching some of those lame duck kicks spin sideways en route to the turf. The Lions cut Henery on the Monday following their Week 5 loss, making him the second kicker to be cut by Detroit in the 2014 regular season.

Still, the trend doesn’t sway Martin’s opinion that his work with long snapper Don Muhlbach has been spot-on, even if he’s trying not to toot his own horn too much.

“I don’t think I’m a perfect holder or perfect kickoff guy or perfect punter,” Martin added. “So I’m always trying to improve. If the hold’s not perfect and I notice that, I’m going to fix it along with bad punts and bad kickoffs. I don’t think I’m perfect at any area.”

The snap/hold crew received a vote of confidence from head coach Jim Caldwell to go with their own self-belief.

Caldwell said, “We try to evaluate it, we don’t pull any punches if we see an issue that may be a problem. We certainly identify it and address it. I think he does a good job.”

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