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Kicking

All articles tagged with #kicking

Static Screens, Not Schemes: Explaining the Patriots’ Home-Field Kicking Edge
sports1 month ago

Static Screens, Not Schemes: Explaining the Patriots’ Home-Field Kicking Edge

The piece explains that the Patriots historically used all-22 video behind the uprights for opponents’ field goals but switched to static imagery for their own attempts, a practice prompted by kicker Stephen Gostkowski and allowed by NFL rules; it’s not a secret Belichick scheme, but an approved tactic that coincides with the Patriots’ long-standing home-field kicking edge at Gillette, where visiting teams have struggled more than the Patriots have since 2000, and other teams have used similar behind-the-goals tactics.

Jaguars cap preseason with shutout of Buccaneers, signaling depth and standout performers
sports1 month ago

Jaguars cap preseason with shutout of Buccaneers, signaling depth and standout performers

The Jaguars shut out the Buccaneers 19-0 to finish the preseason 2-1, highlighting roster depth and key performers: Ameer Abdullah sat confirming roster decisions; Jalen McLeod excelled with seven first-half tackles, a QB hit and a tackle-for-loss; Nick Mullens reinforced his QB2 case; Bryan Thomas Jr. continued his breakout with relentless pressure; Cam Little nailed a 61-yard field goal to cap a spotless preseason.

Butker's 69-yard boot fuels debate over NFL ball changes and scoring era
sports1 month ago

Butker's 69-yard boot fuels debate over NFL ball changes and scoring era

Harrison Butker drilled a 69-yard field goal in the Chiefs' preseason game, used by the piece to spotlight a controversy: ball changes and new kicking rules are inflating distances and boosting scoring. Vic Fangio compared the shift to a steroid-era claim in baseball, arguing the K-balls and altered kicking process have drastically changed field goals. The article notes rises in 60+ yard attempts and a longer average field-goal distance since 2024, arguing this trend risks producing more points with less exciting football even as kickers routinely convert longer kicks.

Patriots' preseason tie vs. Colts reveals kicking woes and roster battles
sports1 month ago

Patriots' preseason tie vs. Colts reveals kicking woes and roster battles

New England's 13-13 preseason tie with Indianapolis highlighted Andy Borregales' missed field goals, injuries to interior offensive-line depth, and ongoing battles for the roster spots at edge, tackle, and running back. Depth linemen Marcus Bryant and Dametrious Crownover showed promise, edge rushers Jesse Luketa and Bradyn Swinson flashed, safety John Saunders Jr. made plays, and receiver Cameron Dorner continued to impress as a depth option, all while backup QB Tommy DeVito had ups and downs ahead of the next joint practices with the Eagles.

Patriots receivers rise in late-game drills at training camp
sports2 months ago

Patriots receivers rise in late-game drills at training camp

In the fifth padded practice, the Patriots staged end-of-half and two-minute sequences with Drake Maye connecting to Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, A.J. Brown returning from a thumb issue and contributing, and kicker Andy Borregales continuing a strong camp (5-for-5 in the session and 28-of-30 overall). Dre’Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder applied edge pressure while rookie Gabe Jacas earned more reps as the team managed veterans and welcomed back Kyle Williams.

Smack's 51-yard redemption caps Packers' camp rollercoaster
sports2 months ago

Smack's 51-yard redemption caps Packers' camp rollercoaster

Day 5 of Packers camp at Ray Nitschke Field featured rookie kicker Trey Smack starting 2-for-5 before finishing 4-for-8 on kicks (7-for-13 over the prior two days), including a clutch 51-yard boot. Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft, while Xavier McKinney intercepted Love and Anthony Campbell batted four passes. Carrington Valentine missed practice with a leg injury; Jager Burton returned, and Matt LaFleur urged the pass rushers to avoid finishing contact with the QB as pads arrive. The team has nine practices left before Family Night on Aug. 7.

Green Bay's High-Leverage Kicker Gamble Could Decide the Playoffs
sports5 months ago

Green Bay's High-Leverage Kicker Gamble Could Decide the Playoffs

An analytics-driven take argues kickers are among the most high-leverage players in football: using Win Percentage Added (WPA) the piece defends Green Bay’s decision to trade up for a kicker, insisting that a reliable, late-game kicker can swing playoff outcomes and that teams should pursue a better kicker via any route—even if kickers are hard to value historically.

Belichick and Experts Weigh In on Justin Tucker's Kicking Struggles
sports1 year ago

Belichick and Experts Weigh In on Justin Tucker's Kicking Struggles

Bill Belichick commented on Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's recent struggles, attributing them to mechanical issues rather than a decline in talent. Belichick, who plans to return to the NFL in 2025, suggested that Tucker's issues could be resolved with the right adjustments. He praised Tucker's historical accuracy and consistency, advising the Ravens to stick with him despite current challenges. Belichick's remarks could also be seen as strategic, potentially influencing the Ravens' decisions regarding Tucker's future.

Ravens Stand by Tucker Despite Costly Misses Against Eagles
sports1 year ago

Ravens Stand by Tucker Despite Costly Misses Against Eagles

Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens' kicker, missed three kicks in a game for the first time in his career, contributing to a 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Tucker's struggles this season include a career-low 70% field-goal percentage and 10 missed kicks, leading the NFL. Despite his recent difficulties, the Ravens, including head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson, continue to express confidence in Tucker's abilities. The team is entering a bye week, providing Tucker an opportunity to address his performance issues.

Ravens Face Dilemma as Justin Tucker's Struggles Continue
sports1 year ago

Ravens Face Dilemma as Justin Tucker's Struggles Continue

Justin Tucker, the legendary kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, is experiencing a significant decline in performance, missing crucial field goals and extra points that have contributed to the team's losses. Despite his past success and status as the greatest scorer in Ravens history, there are calls for the team to bring in competition to challenge Tucker and potentially reignite his competitive edge. Coach John Harbaugh has expressed support for Tucker, but the pressure is mounting as the Ravens' playoff hopes are jeopardized by his recent struggles.

Ravens Stand by Justin Tucker Despite Recent Struggles
sports1 year ago

Ravens Stand by Justin Tucker Despite Recent Struggles

The Baltimore Ravens face a dilemma with their star kicker Justin Tucker, who is experiencing an uncharacteristic decline in performance, with a career-low 73.9% field goal rate this season. Despite his past success, Tucker's recent struggles have led to missed kicks that could impact the team's success. Coach John Harbaugh must decide whether to temporarily sideline Tucker to allow him to regain his form or risk further issues by maintaining the status quo. The situation highlights the challenge of managing a beloved player facing a downturn in performance.