AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCheap approach to kickers will be costly
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Flowery Branch — Surely this is a joke. No way the Falcons are preparing to do the ridiculous in the modern NFL (as in parity, as in a slew of close games) by going into this season depending on some wide-eyed dude’s unproven foot.
Guess pigs do fly, and chickens actually have lips, because the No. 1 kicker listed on the depth chart on the Falcons’ Web site is undrafted rookie Tony Yelk, and get this: He mostly punted at Iowa State between attempting a rare kick or three. The others challenging Yelk in training camp are Carlos Martinez from the forgettable Arena Football League and Michael Koenen, the Falcons’ punter who was used last year for an occasional field-goal try from long range when the game wasn’t on the line.
Yeah, this makes sense, but only if you don’t believe the Falcons have lost their minds for the sake of saving a few nickels under the salary cap. Let’s just say that none of these kickers is likely to become the next Mick Luckhurst, Greg Davis, Morten Andersen, Norm Johnson, Jay Feely or even Lou Kirouac in Falcons lore.
Rich McKay disagrees, of course. According to the Falcons general manager, who discussed this silliness on Wednesday while watching practice under the relentless sun, “We’ve never wavered from our plan since probably February or March, and I realize that makes it hard for the fan, because he’s sitting there saying, ‘I want a name [kicker], and I want to know that he’s going to make [the game-winner] against Carolina [in the first game of the season].’ Well, so do we. We just think that we’ve got plenty of time for that to be determined. So we’re not as nervous about it.”
They should be, even though they claim they’ll still have time to snatch a veteran from somewhere near the end of camp if one of their projects doesn’t work out.
Last season, 46 percent of the NFL’s 256 games were decided by a touchdown or less, and 23 percent were decided by a field goal or less. Among them were the four games the Falcons lost by a field goal along the way to missing the playoffs at 8-8. They eventually fired kicker Todd Peterson for botching a game-winning try at Tampa down the stretch of the season and for blowing an attempt earlier at New Orleans, although he converted after getting another chance seconds later in that game.
The Peterson move was justified, but here’s the thing: If you wish to play deep into January, and if you decide to increase your chances by getting rid of a kicker that you know isn’t clutch, then you better replace that kicker with somebody who showed that he is clutch at least somewhere during his NFL career.
Gone are those old days in the league when coaches took such a cavalier approach to kicking that they would have a Lou Groza swinging his legs for points one moment and blocking for a teammate the next. With games becoming tighter, Vince Lombardi even shelved Paul Hornung from double duty in the mid-1960s and acquired Don Chandler to help kick the Green Bay Packers further into their dynasty.
Then came the generation of Garo Yepremian, Jan Stenerud and Roy Gerela that gave an extra kick to NFL powerhouses from Miami to Kansas City to Pittsburgh. More recently, the New England Patriots won their three Super Bowls in four years courtesy of Adam Vinatieri providing the winning kick each time.
Still, despite those examples, the Dallas Cowboys decided in recent years to take the Falcons’ gambling approach by grabbing anybody off the street who could breathe and kick a little. In fact, Steve Hoffman spent 16 years with the Cowboys coaching seven rookies or first-year free-agent kickers to help the franchise operate on the cheap to spend money elsewhere. I mention this, because the Falcons hired Hoffman this year to implement the Cowboys’ philosophy regarding kickers.
It was the Cowboys’ old philosophy regarding kickers. That philosophy cost the Cowboys three games last season after miscues in the kicking game. So, with the already fragile combination of Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells entering its fourth season without a playoff victory, they got the veteran Mike Vanderjagt.
Just thought the Falcons might want to know.
Permalink | Comments (31) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By Carl
August 2, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
Let’s see…titothebear will be chiming in with his prediction that the lack of a kicker will result in a record worse than the original 3-13. He’ll then grab his Roget’s Thesaurus and throw out some “big” words to make us think he is a superior mind. But he’s still an idiot.
By the book
August 2, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Carl, I know why you feel frustrated, because my heart is broken forever by the Falcons. How Mora could have a talent like Vick and still lose is beyond all understanding. And a field goal kicker is so important, that I cant sleep worrying about it. The season is upon us. Back into the breach one more time!!! I love football.
By Mike L.
August 2, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, I would disagree with your writting. ofcourse there are veteran kickers out there that can fill the spot and do a decent job for the Falcons, and the Falcons will sign one of them if none of the rookies comes through … but why do it now? give the rookies a chance to prove themseleves … if it doesnt work out the Flacons still have a lot of time to bring in a veteran kicker from the street.
Lets talk about some more serious issues - in order to be successful in the NFC South you have to be able to stop the run - have the Falcons adressed their run stopping problems from last year? Mostly … they still need a NT that can stuff the middle and stop whoever is coming through. Lavalais, Lake, and Shropshire did not get it done last year - so bring in someone from the street that has a proven record of playing against the run. Buckner is still available.
The Falcons might also look at some other options trading - there has been talk of trading TJ Duckett for Ashley Lelie. First of all - the Falcons have to stick to their guns and that is the running game - Dunn and Duckett are one of the best one two punches in the league … i wouldnt put the running game in jeopardy to acquire a receiver. the falcons already tried that with Price and it didnt work out. there are veterans out there on the street - Proehl and Hakim - that can step in and do a decent job, but the running game is the signature of the Falcons and they should stick with their guns. but, since we are talking about trading Duckett - here is some food for thought - R. Seymour is still on the PUP list and is not in the Patriots camp yet for whatever reason - throw Duckett in the deal and try to get him down here … Kerney, Coleman, Seymour, and Abraham on the D-line? With all the other additions and pkayers back from injuries i dont think many teams would be able to run on the Falcons defense.
By abc
August 2, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
the falcons not adressing the kicking issues is just like the braves not adressing the bullpen issues. there is trouble looming in the future for the falcons for them not getting a proven kicker just like a proven closer for the braves.
By Me
August 2, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
Terence Moore likes to have $ex with men.
By dirrtybird
August 2, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
When was the last time Terence Moore wrote something positive about the Falcons. Where does the ajc get it’s “hometown” writers?
Thanks for writing an article about what everyone already knows.
By Mazetti
August 2, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
Hey, what about me?
By Me
August 3, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore was the pro$titute Eugene Robinson wanted to receive a BJ from before the Super Bowl.
By Jeff
August 3, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons get the opportunity to trade for Porter, they should. I don’t know who Oakland would want in retrun. I don’t think Ducket would be enough, considering they have LaMont Jordan, Zach Crockett and Justin Fargas. Maybe we could convince Oakland to take Jenkins and Rossum…
By Skydawg
August 3, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this
Where is Billy Bennett? I’m sure he can be had for cheap. I mean the guy only lead the SEC in scoring his Junior and Senior year if I’m not mistaken. Hell it couldn’t hurt.
By Stewart
August 3, 2006 07:01 AM | Link to this
I agree with Mike L. A kicker will emmerge, but our ability to stop the run will win ballgames. If the Falcons can stop teams from running the ball, we will win the division. Just so we are all clear, stop the run, win the division. It’s that simple.
By Dunwoody_joe
August 3, 2006 07:18 AM | Link to this
Most training camps have a kicker battle raging on. This means that over the next several weeks at least 10 kickers will become available to the Falcons. McKay is right that there is time to address the issue.
Here is the problem: all the guys that will become available will have lost their respective roster battles on other clubs.
So sure, McKay has time to resolve the problem; but the solution will be to grab a reject from another camp? Hmmm….
Kind of a risky move if you ask me. Especially if you want the fans to believe you are a playoff team. A weak kicker changes strategies and alters offenses.
Worst of all? I actually agree with Moore!
By bucko
August 3, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Why would the Falcons put hall in as a receiver and possible get him hurt or tired to cover is on position? If we were bless with corner backs It would make sense. We are hurting at the other corner we sure do not want to get hall tired are hurt.
By Tony
August 3, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore please shut your pie hole
By Tony
August 3, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore please shut your pie hole
By Tony
August 3, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore please shut your pie hole
By JR
August 3, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this
Moore makes sense today. Why go through the anxiety in camp? Have the attitude that we are going to win and get someone in here now to put this baby to sleep. Whoever it may be.
But Vandy isn’t in Indy because he wasn’t clutch..bad example. Vinny IS in Indy because he IS clutch. Not too many of them out there, but we had better set a good tone for the season and get a pro in here right away!
By JR
August 3, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
Moore makes sense today. Why go through the anxiety in camp? Have the attitude that we are going to win and get someone in here now to put this baby to sleep. Whoever it may be.
But Vandy isn’t in Indy because he wasn’t clutch..bad example. Vinny IS in Indy because he IS clutch. Not too many of them out there, but we had better set a good tone for the season and get a pro in here right away!
By TAJ
August 3, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
Good kickers aren’t a dime a dozen any more. To prove that point just look back to last year. Even further back look at some of the games Jay Feely missed in. I think McKay’s patience with kickers went out the window with Martin Gramatica when he was in Tampa. I saw a kicker the other night in a CFL game that was accurate as hell. He came from Central Florida and was making the 3’s and not the 1 commonly known as the “rouge”. The difference? Well, the hash marks are wider in the CFL and the Goal Posts are on the Goal Line. With our receivers under the microscope right now I guess kickers are down the line as far as priorities go. But late in the game it’s nice to have a “cold blooded” kicker like Adam Vinateri. But if you’re that good it’s a big chunk out of the “cap”. I believe something will shake out by the time camp and preseason is over. McKay is known for keeping things quiet until he pulls the trigger on a deal.
By K Virden
August 3, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this
Terrence, you are right again, asking a twenty something yr old kid to kick a game winning field goal as time expires is too much. The falcons can’t afford to lose games like that this year. This is the year where Atlanta has to produce and get over the hump. Not the time to be pampering nor changing diapers.
By The Man
August 3, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
K Virden is a moron. Terence can’t be “right again” since he’s never been right to begin with.
By Vee
August 3, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
Regarding the kicker issue, I have observed many football seasons over the years including a college national championship while attending that school and I will tell you that more often than not the kicking game was the primary reason for achieving the top spot at the college and the professional level. Kicking game includes place kicking, kick-offs and punting. All are essential to setting up field position and capitalizing on great defensive and offensive efforts. A team will never achieve top status without excellent kicking. You want to deflate a team and the effort put forth on the field - have you kicker miss a chip shot when it counts or shank one out of the end zone. It’s also a great way to get the fans to turn on you as well.
By Mash
August 3, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
Great article, for a team that acts like it wants to be in the playoffs. It seems like an inexplicable area to try and cut corners. Kickers are the least paid players that have a huge impact on the game. How much could a quality kicker possibly cost us, $1 million maybe $2. Rich McKay is being ridiculous.
By Curtis
August 3, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Who losses their job after going 23 for 25 on fields goals? Can we please bring back Todd Peterson and quit trippin!!! Missing two field goals all year… I can live with that!!
By Mike L.
August 3, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Here is a question i have for the writers - everyone has been real annal about the Falcons offensive line - about their inability to pass protect. There were too additions to the line - Gandy and Ojinnaka - attempt to solidify the line in pass situations. The only article that I have seen on the issue was a one line comment that Gandy was added to the team in Bryan Scott trade - talk about covering your home team well.
here are some news people might want to hear about - Ojinnaka was, i believe, moved from the LT to RT and is currently backing up Todd Weiner. Does that mean that he can actually push Weiner for the starting job? I have heard nothing but good things about Ojinnaka! If that could be true than the Oline could be much more solid with Gnady at LT and Ojinnaka at RT!
Ask the coaches at one of the interviews!!!! instead of the standard crap that everyone already knows about!
By ebineezer
August 3, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
I cain’t believe it, but I have to agree with Mr. Moore on this one. You might get by skimping somewhat on your punter but a good field goal kicker is worth his weight in gold. Not to go after the very best kicker you can find is just plain stupid.
By Jeff Townes
August 3, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, maybe the extensive research you conducted (as a resonsible and competent journalist) failed to uncover the fact that both Jay Feely and Mike Vanderjagt kiced in the “forgettable” Arena Football League and they have not done badly.
By Avengers Fan (AFL)
August 3, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
“Forgettable Arena Football League”? Guess you’re at that age where you’re losing your memory. Ask the 1,782,504 fans that attended Arena Football games this past year how “forgettable” the AFL is after its 20th season. Trust me when I say I’ll remember the AFL as it’s not going anywhere but will forget who you are.. ummm what’s your name again?
By JStorm
August 3, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
Hello Terence, FIRST OF ALL! You column is a joke! “The others challenging Yelk in training camp are Carlos Martinez from the forgettable Arena Football League” How in the heck can you say that the AFL is forgettable. Are you forgetting that Mr Blank also OWNS the GA Force of the AFL?
I beleive that your style of writing doesn’t even merit a web site article! Carlos Martinez is the best kicker in the AFL! Maybe if you actually took the time to look up the stats on what he has done you would have reconsidered the choice of words that you mentioned!
LONG LIVE THE AFL AND NOT YOUR WEB PAGE!
JStorm!
By Nan
August 3, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE?? TERENCE who???Oh never mind, it wasn’t a very good article anyways. LONG LIVE the AFL!
By Max
August 4, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this
AFL is anything but forgettable. Your article sounds as if it was written by someone who’s never seen a live game or drank too much to remember it. Forgettable leagues don’t last 20+ seasons. I’d venture to guess more people will remember ALL their AFL experiences much longer than ONE of your articles. Put some creativity into it next time. Why not also try to kick a 20 yard field goal on an NFL field and the same kick in the arena. Enjoy all the letters you get.