NFL: Never Underestimate the Importance of Kickers

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One valuable lesson learned from last Sunday is to never underestimate the value of good special teams play in the NFL. That was evident in the Cleveland Browns victory, or as some call it an upset, over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers. The performance of Cleveland Kicker Dustin Hopkins, who was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, was the major difference in the outcome of the game. Although the defense received most of the credit, Hopkins nailed four field goals, which played a vital role in the two-point win 19-17.

Compare that performance to San Francisco rookie kicker Jake Moody who struggled to kick in the wind and rain. The elements at Cleveland Browns Stadium seemed unfavorable but common starting in the month of October. This is the team of the year in which games at this stadium tend to test teams’ physical and mental resolve. It’s important to remember that this stadium is located in a place in the city in which the wind sheer is often insane and tests the skills of even the best kickers. We can all ask Browns legend Phil Dawson about that.

It’s important to remember that if Moody nailed just one of these two important field goals, this wouldn’t be the conversation. San Francisco would be 6-0, albeit with an “ugly win” over Cleveland. Moody had a golden opportunity to nail a likely game-winning field goal with six seconds left. Instead, credit Cleveland Head Coach Kevin Stefanski with a well-timed time out that iced Moody.

That’s just one example of how a kicker leads the team to a win or fails to deliver in the clutch moment. Consider the 2020 Super Bowl for example. What if Harrison Butker failed to kick the game-winning field goal with eight seconds left in 2020? The Chiefs would’ve played overtime against the Philadelphia Eagles. Would that change the outcome? It’s possible that Philadelphia would’ve won rather than Kansas City. Field goals only decided the fate of three Super Bowls but if those were missed field goals history could’ve been very different. Butker battled back from a high ankle sprain, in the biggest pressure situation of his career. Yes, he had a high ankle sprain and was called to deliver a game-winner. No excuses though, he came back into the game, injured and his head probably pounding due to the noise and high level of pressure.

This is the lesson Moody will learn as his NFL career progresses. Kickers have to overcome the obstacles.

Top NFL Games for Week 8:

Baltimore Ravens (5-1) vs Detroit Lions (4-2)

Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) vs Miami Dolphins (5-1)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

Los Angeles Rams (3-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)