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Raiders change in kickers made in part to streamline holding duties for Johnny Townsend but still ‘battle’ for kicker job

Friday the battle between Giorgio Tavecchio and rookie Eddy Pineiro ended with Tavecchio’s release. And replaced with veteran Mike Nugent.

Before the move, Raiders punter Johnny Townsend had to learn how to hold for the right-footed Pineiro and the left-footed Tavecchio. Depending on who would be kicking, Townsend would have to execute completely opposite motions to hold for the two kickers on alternating days.

While Townsend has shown some ambidextrous holding abilities, it never made much sense to have to continue to hold from both sides.