In the ever-evolving world of American football, one position seems to be standing out more than ever – the kickers. NFL kickers are becoming so incredibly good that they are beginning to change the very fabric of the game itself.
Week One of the NFL season showcased just how dominant these kickers have become. Collectively, they were an impressive 21-for-23 on field goals of 50 yards or longer. A jaw-dropping success rate of 91.3 percent that has certainly caught the attention of fans, coaches, and players alike.
In the past, attempting a 50-yard field goal was reserved for moments of desperation, typically at the end of a game. But now, with kickers becoming more accurate and reliable from longer distances, coaches are rethinking their strategies. A 50-yard field goal is no longer a gamble, but rather a legitimate scoring opportunity that teams can confidently lean on.
The repercussions of this new reality were evident in Week One. Washington’s Cade York, one of the kickers who missed from beyond 50 yards, found himself without a job just a day after his miss. The stakes are high, and if you can’t deliver from long range, your time in the league may be short-lived.
Another notable miss came from Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, a seasoned veteran in the world of kicking. While Tucker is not in danger of losing his spot on the roster, the fact that even he is not immune to the pressures of the game speaks volumes about the expectations placed on kickers today.
However, the majority of kickers in Week One were flawless from 50 yards and beyond. Standouts like Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell, Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn, San Francisco’s Jake Moody, New Orleans’ Blake Grupe, and Dallas’s Brandon Aubrey all delivered perfect performances. Aubrey, in particular, showcased his range by nailing a 66-yard attempt, although it was unfortunately nullified by a penalty.
Despite the missed opportunity, it’s only a matter of time before we see kickers attempting field goals from even more astounding distances. Perhaps a 70-yard attempt will become the new benchmark, and a 60-yard kick will be viewed as routine.
The evolution of NFL kickers is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Coaches are putting their faith in these players like never before, and as a result, the game itself is being transformed. With each passing season, kickers continue to raise the bar and redefine what it means to be a game-changer in American football.