SAVERIO Rocca made an encouraging start in his bid for the Philadelphia Eagles punting job, unleashing a 65-yard monster in his NFL pre-season debut yesterday.
Former AFL star Saverio Rocca had plenty to think about during his first NFL pre-season outing for the Philadelphia Eagles in Baltimore yesterday. Picture: AP
The former AFL star outkicked incumbent Dirk Johnson for distance as the Eagles gave their duelling punters a half each in the 29-3 loss at Baltimore.
However veteran Johnson had the edge in consistency, landing two of his three punts inside the Ravens' 20-yard zone.
Rocca punted four times in the second half, averaging 48.2 yards a kick to Johnson's 43.7.
Rocca made a shaky start, punting 33 yards with his first kick in the third quarter.
However he soon found his feet, booting 45 yards with his second attempt before latching on to a booming 65-yarder in the fourth quarter. That came after Rocca had a 56-yard punt called back because of an Eagles penalty. He capped his debut with a 50-yard effort.
Rocca was smiling after that.
