Scott Pharr, Atlanta, GA
Jason Elam usually does the kicking. This time he got kicked..to the curb. The 39 year-old, whose performance had quickly deteriorated this season, was let go today by the Atlanta Falcons. Elam was 12-19 on field goal attempts this season, and had missed at least one in the last 5 games. Elam was in year 17 of his NFL career, the first 15 coming with the Denver Broncos.
Replacing Elam is former Tampa Bay Buc Matt Bryant. At 34, Bryant is no spring chicken either, but had a successful run this year with the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was 11 of 14 on field goals and converted all 23 extra points. With Tampa Bay last year, he was servicable, hitting 32 of 38 field goal attempts.
At 6-5, the Falcons are currently fighting for their wildcard lives, and with 2 home games upcoming versus the Eagles and unbeaten Saints, the move is aimed at stabilizing the kicking game, which has been anything but predictable so far this season.
