In the US when it comes to the big business of money
and TV ratings there is only one game stands, much like the AFL,
as the country’s biggest domestic sport – football. The NFL is in a league of its own in
terms of generating revenues and critically massive TV audiences in its short 16
game regular season before the divisional play-offs that culminate with the
Superbowl. And when it comes to the
two New York franchises – the Giants and Jets – everything
about them is huge news.

Right now former Geelong captain and 200 game AFL veteran Ben
Graham 31, is locked in a battle to make the final roster of the Jets
and hopefully become the team’s punter as there’s usually only one spot
made available for the position. Last Friday, in a practice game
against the Detroit Tigers, he played well and was singled out
for special praise for his three kicks as a standout rookie.

The New York Times reported:

The first N.F.L. punt by the former Australian Rules
Football standout Ben Graham covered 56 yards. It came with a little more than
four minutes remaining in the second quarter and was not
returned.

The Jets own website news report game summary led
with the impressive rookie game debuts of several players but Graham was first
named:

“Jets Tame Lions, 10-3; Rookies
Impressive”

On a night when scoring was low and penalties were
high, the New York Jets came away with a hard-fought 10-3 victory over the
visiting Detroit Lions. The game also featured some impressive debuts by the
Jets rookie class. Punter Ben Graham
averaged 54.7 yards on three punts.

Even more intriguing is how the media and fans are
now furiously debating whether Graham is “the man” for the Jets starting punter
position. The debate is also extending
well beyond New York’s media with USA Today nominating Graham’s quest for the main job as its NFL
“Battle of the Week”.

Ben Graham vs. Micah Knorr for starting Punter. The
veteran Knorr has to be the favorite, but every time you look over at the
punters working – Graham has been impressive. The 31-year old Australian booms
the ball every time and gets the fans at camp oohing and ahhing. Coach Herman
Edwards calls him a “folk hero.”

He certainly seems to be getting to his chief rival
as this “Red Zone” item in New York’s Newsday observed on the battle in it’s
Monday edition.

Jets: Silent Knorr

Micah Knorr is refusing interview requests, which is
odd considering he’s in a competitive battle with Australian Ben Graham for the
punting job.

Perhaps Knorr, a six-year veteran who entered camp as
the favorite, is upset with Graham’s media darling status. Or maybe he’s not so
thrilled that Graham got three chances to punt in the first preseason game and
Knorr got only one. Graham also did all the holding for kicker Mike
Nugent.

Despite his silence, Knorr has been solid in camp and
would still have to be considered the favorite because of his experience. The
competition is still open.

But Crikey readers will get the real flavour of the
debate by accessing the Jets own official fan forum,
where among other views most fans think Graham is a punt well worth
taking?

If we cut Graham it will be a travesty… for sure
another team would snatch him up and make him great. Knorr is a journeyman…
how can we not take our chances on something that could be a great investment
like Graham.

We are always afraid to take risks… let’s stop that
trend now and bring in the Aussie Cannon!