The Serve

Rocca rival whinges

 Dirk Johnson, the man who was cut from the Philadelphia Eagles in place of Australian Sav Rocca, has spoken out about his demise. Johnson says the final pre season game against the New York Jets was meaningless, despite believing he outperformed the former Collingwood and Kangaroos star.

“In my mind, they had their minds made up before that game,” Johnson said. “What did that game prove? If it came down to that game, I’d still be here. If it didn’t, they should have cut me last week, while two teams (Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots) were still looking for punters.”

Against the Jets, Rocca averaged 38.3 yards on three punts, although two went inside the Jets 15 yard line. His third traveled 44 yards and was returned 12 yards. Rocca also misplayed a Jon Dorenbos snap on a failed field goal attempt. Johnson averaged 49.5 yards on two punts, including a 57-yarder, on Thursday.

During the preseason, Rocca averaged 45.4 yards per, Johnson averaged 43.9 yards with a 34.8 net and four of eight inside the 20.

“I was surprised,” Johnson said. “I didn’t feel like I performed in a way to have my job taken away. Nothing against Sav, but I felt like I had a good camp and kicked well in the games. It’s tough. I’d feel different if I had a bad camp and kicked inconsistently, but I don’t feel that was the case.”