The Giants did some roster house-cleaning yesterday, cutting four players, and the most interesting departure was also anticipated. They bid adieu to Matt Allen, the rookie punter who found himself in a firestorm in the hours and days after the Giants’ season-ending 39-38 playoff loss to the 49ers.
Allen was waived, along with receiver Herman Moore (released from the reserve-retirement list), linebacker Clayton White (waived from the physically unable to perform list) and FB Adam Wright (waived-injured). Allen did not distinguish himself as a punter (his 32.5-yard net punting average was last in the NFC), but made headlines for the role he played in the snapping-holding-kicking follies that plagued the Giants.
After blowing a 38-14 lead with 18 minutes remaining in the playoffs, the Giants had one last chance to regain their dignity, lining up for a 41-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the game. Trey Junkin’s snap was awful, low and wide, and Allen, the holder, had to scramble just to catch the ball. Allen then got to his feet and fired a desperation pass, but guard Rich Seubert (an eligible receiver on the play) was hauled down by a defender. No penalty was called.
Allen afterward was heavily criticized by Jim Fassel, who stated Allen should have either pounced on the ball (it was third down) or else fired the ball out of bounds to give kicker Matt Bryant another chance at a field goal. Fassel also admitted Allen was never specifically reminded of his options but said those options were taught earlier in the season.