Booming Baringer: Patriots' Rookie Punter Impresses vs. Titans
While the New England Patriots had a multitude of struggles in their 23-7 preseason finale loss to the Tennessee Titans, one area in which they gained a great deal of clarity is the identity of their punter.
Based on his performance on Friday night at Nissan Stadium, rookie Bryce Baringer has all but secured that role.
Despite hitting a bit of a practice slump during the latter part of training camp, Baringer was abundantly impressive against the Titans. The Pats novice punter executed five punts, two of which landed inside the 20, and his longest traveling 69 yards in the second quarter. He finished the night with 49.2 net average.
Baringer’s 69-yard bomb marked his fourth 60-yard punt of the 2023 preseason. In last week’s victory over the Green Bay Packers, he booted a 61-yarder in the first quarter and a 60-yard punt in the second quarter. He also connected on a 62-yard punt in the second quarter in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Though he engaged in an unexpectedly heated battle with fellow punter Corliss Waitman during team practices, Baringer’s prowess set him apart from his competition during the Pats’ preseason games.
Baringer not only filled a position of need for New England — in light of the acrimonious departure of veteran Jake Bailey in the offseason — he also was secured via a low-risk selection at pick No. 192 in the sixth-round.
In 2022, Baringer broke the Michigan State record for yards-per-punt (49.0) while also ranking first in Big Ten history in career punting average (46 yards). As one of the most decorated players at his position in NCAA history, it is only fitting that he became just the 52nd punter to be drafted since 1997.
Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Baringer should assume New England's starting duties at the outset of the season … and his performance against the Titans on Friday appears to have solidified is
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