Sometimes, the most subtle of details can tell a whole story. A small detail shared by Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels earlier this week might have given fans insight into who will win the punter position.
Veteran punter Ryan Wright is currently going up against undrafted rookie Oscar Chapman for the starting punter job. Daniels gave a very telling response on how the punter position is going as he shared how kicker Will Reichard was happy that Chapman was doing one thing well.
"Chap had a really good opportunity that second half, hold three field goals for Will. Will's gaining confidence in him. The confidence is there just in terms of the operation. He really congratuate those guys on Monday just in terms between him and Po, Chap, and Mr. Wright. Just a good operation overall."
Are Oscar Chapman's improved skills as a holder enough to land him the Minnesota Vikings' punter job?
During preseason, it has been a tight battle between Wright and Chapman for the starting job at punter. Wright is averaging 51 yards per game on four punts, while Chapman is averaging 52.3 yards per game in two matchups.
Chapman might have the advantage with average punt yards, but Wright has one punt pinned inside the 20-yard line, while Chapman doesn't have one.
Another aspect to consider is the net average yards gained by the punters. Wright is averaging 38.8 net yards per punt, while Chapman is at an impressive 49.3 net yards per punt.
Any time there is a position battle like that, it may come down to the small details that can make or break a player. Wright has experience with holding the ball on field goals over the last few seasons, and it has helped him land on the roster time and time again.
For Chapman to get praise from Reichard for gaining his confidence in holding his kick is a good sign. It could ultimately separate Chapman from Wright, as Chapman is checking off all the boxes needed to win the job.
Daniels mentioned in his press conference that he wants his punters to have more opportunities to hit sky punts and hasn't really gotten the chance to see them in the preseason games. That might be another element to this punter race that could make the difference.
Wright and Chapman will have one final shot at impressing Daniels and the staff on Friday with their matchup against the Tennessee Titans. One strong performance against Tennessee could land one of them an NFL job in 2025.