So now that I've had my first kick blocked in M24 I went out and picked up a left-footed punter (good ole' Tress Way). I decided to test out max distances in practice mode. The practice field had a 6 mph cross wind but I doubt that significantly impacts the results. I'm using 83 OVR Jason Myers as my normal kicker - he has 86 KPW which is almost the highest in the game (83 OVR Ryan Stonehouse is the highest available right now with 87 KPW... but that would only add a half yard or so to my results). Myers "perfect kick" (max power and perfect accuracy with the Left Stick pointed down) is 58 yards... so without wind, he can hit FGs from about the 41 yard line. Anything further and he hits the crossbar.
By comparison, 81 OVR Tress Way has an 83 KPW... but there's a penalty for kicking with a punter. His max FG range is about 47 yards... so without wind, he can hit FGs from the 30 yard line. I'll use him for extra points and short FGs... and take my chances with Myers on anything beyond the 30 yard line.
I still think there is some stat on the defensive player that allows them to get that burst. My opponent was using Team Captain 85 OVR Eric Berry. Gotta do some testing in practice mode with different players.