<![CDATA[Phil Dawson a no-show at OTAs]]>http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/...ker_phil_d.html

CLEVELAND -- Browns kicker Phil Dawson skipped the first day of organized team activities in what could be a statement about wanting a contract extension.

Dawson, a 12th-year pro, also sat out some OTAs last season in what was believed to be a contract issue. Dawson, the Browns' second-leading all-time scorer, is in the last year of his contract.

He sat out five games with a calf injury last season, but returned for the final nine games, making six field goals in the last two outings.

Usually I wouldn't give much thought to this, especially with another proven kicker in the wings, but its Phil! The Blizzard Wizard! He has been with the Browns since they came back and should be for a long long time.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/12101/phil-dawson-a-no-show-at-otasRSS for NodeFri, 02 Oct 2026 06:07:43 GMTTue, 18 May 2010 01:07:48 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Phil Dawson a no-show at OTAs on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:55:32 GMT]]>I honestly think for a long time our special teams coach wanted Phil to kick them higher and shorter.

I don't know if I can explain this well, but if you lack a bit of speed or good tackling on your special teams, a higher, shorter kick can yield fewer return yards then a deeper kick...more players are able to get around the ball sooner on the high kick.

Kind of like a punter kicking it really high hoping to force a fair catch rather than allow a guy like Cribbs to return a punt. Forty yards and 4 seconds of hang are better than 50 yards and 4 seconds of hang against a good returner.....40 yards in 4.6 seconds leave you .06 away from the returner. 50 yards in 5.1 leaves you 1.1 away from the returner....lot's of bad can happen in that half second difference between .06 and 1.1.

I think as our bottom of the roster has improved, it's now deemed that kicking to the goal line gives us a better chance than kicking to the 15.

Dawsons leg isn't much stronger than it was 10 years ago, he's just changing the trajectory in how he strikes the ball or sets it up on the tee.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/174449https://brownsboard.com/post/174449Tue, 18 May 2010 10:55:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Phil Dawson a no-show at OTAs on Tue, 18 May 2010 01:32:56 GMT]]>What does Phil need an OTA for? It's not like the goal posts are going to kick back or anything. Anybody can catch Pontbriand's practice snaps.

i hated this guy in his early days when he couldn't reach the 15 yard line with his kick-offs. Now, i love him. Take a rest Phil.

BTW, i saw him kick 3 out of 4 FG's from 65 yards at practice at Edinboro a few years ago (of course, with the wind). Quite a show. The 1 he missed was long enough, but wide left.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/174437https://brownsboard.com/post/174437Tue, 18 May 2010 01:32:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Phil Dawson a no-show at OTAs on Tue, 18 May 2010 01:22:11 GMT]]>I agree..........Phil is cool . He is a very steady kicker and great team mate. He's got a right to determine the need for OTAs . when they are voluntary . He will be there when it counts .

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/174436https://brownsboard.com/post/174436Tue, 18 May 2010 01:22:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Phil Dawson a no-show at OTAs on Tue, 18 May 2010 01:12:23 GMT]]>A kicker sitting out...but its phil...a kicker sitting out...its phil

man thats hard to decide which side to be on. what he makes maybe 1mil a year and that might be streching it. he came through for us. he only missed 1 xpt and 2 FG and like its said hes our 2nd all time leading scorer. cant we show him some love.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/174433https://brownsboard.com/post/174433Tue, 18 May 2010 01:12:23 GMT