HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2005) -- The New York Jets cut veteran punter Micah Knorr and gave the job to Australian Ben Graham.
Knorr did little to distinguish himself during training camp. In three games, he had seven punts for an average of 41.4 yards. Graham, who decided to give the NFL a try after 12 years in the Australian Football League, had 14 punts for an average of 43.4 yards.
It was clear the 6-foot-5 Graham had the stronger leg. But perhaps the biggest factor is the way he kicks across the ball -- causing it to go end-over-end and then spiral down at returners with a unique backspin. The Giants muffed two of his punts Aug. 26, and the Vikings muffed one last week.
Knorr spent the majority of the 2004 season with the Broncos before being released in December. In his six-year career, Knorr has averaged 41.4 yards a punt.
The Jets also cut running back DeCori Birmingham, tackles Ethan Brooks and Henry Tellis, wide receivers Eddie Jackson and Carl Kearney, and cornerback Art Thomas.
Brooks, a seven-year NFL veteran, has spent time with Atlanta, St. Louis, Arizona and most recently Baltimore.
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