NFL Kickers Reach New Heights: The Precision Revolution
In the world of professional football, the unsung heroes are often the ones who take center stage when the game is on the line. Enter the NFL kicker, a position that has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. Gone are the days when a 50-yard field goal was considered a long shot; today, it’s become the norm. The 2024 season has been a testament to this evolution, with kickers across the league shattering records and showcasing unparalleled accuracy from distances once thought impossible.
The numbers speak for themselves. Through the first eight weeks of the season, a staggering 73.6% of field goal attempts from 50 yards or more have sailed through the uprights. This surpasses the previous high of 71.6% set just two years ago. Moreover, the average distance of field goal attempts has reached an all-time high of 40.2 yards, a testament to the growing confidence coaches have in their kickers’ abilities.
The Kicking Craft Evolution
So what has led to this golden era of NFL kicking? According to Brian Egan, a renowned private kicking coach, it’s the result of a multifaceted evolution. “There’s more skill-specific coaches. The trainers are getting better, the workouts are getting better,” Egan explains. “Kids are starting to train younger, and I just think you’re seeing the evolution on full display right now.”
This evolution is evident in the increasing number of long-range attempts. Teams have already attempted a record 125 field goals of at least 50 yards through the first eight weeks, surpassing any previous season. Kickers are not only getting more opportunities to showcase their range, but they’re also converting at an unprecedented rate.
Trust in the Leg
The willingness of coaches to trust their kickers in high-pressure situations has been a game-changer. In the past, coaches often opted to punt or go for it on fourth down when faced with a long field goal attempt. Now, they’re putting their faith in the leg of their kicker. “Back in the day, my first couple years here, if it was over 53, it was ‘Let’s play a defensive game,'” recalls veteran Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell. “As the years have progressed, coaches are trusting the kicker’s legs more.”
It goes back to coaches watching us in practice — that we attempt them in practice. We warm up from 60 in practice, we hit with a team from 60 in practice. So the more he sees that, the more confident he’s willing to go out there.
– Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers Kicker
This trust was on full display in Week 3 when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a franchise-record 65-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. Such a kick would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, but it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s NFL.
Synergy in the Kicking Battery
Another key factor in the kicking renaissance is the increased synergy between the kicker, holder, and long snapper. In the past, holding duties were often assigned to backup quarterbacks who had limited practice time with the kicking unit. Now, punters have taken over the holding role, allowing for greater consistency and chemistry.
The specialization of the holding has really helped. It just makes life easier for kickers. You don’t have to think.
– Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers Kicker
This synergy was evident when Dicker tied the Chargers’ franchise record with a 59-yard field goal in Week 7. The seamless operation between long snapper, holder, and kicker has become a well-oiled machine, allowing kickers to focus solely on their technique and execution.
The Justin Tucker Effect
The rise of Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has also played a significant role in popularizing the position. Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowler, has become the face of the kicking revolution. His ability to consistently convert from long range, including an NFL-record 66-yard field goal in 2021, has inspired a new generation of kickers.
If you got a guy with a leg that can get it there, just let it rip and see what happens. I love that teams are launching the ball from the logo, all over the place. I think it’s a blast.
– Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens Kicker
Tucker’s influence extends beyond the NFL, with young kickers at all levels seeking his advice and trying to emulate his success. The “Justin Tucker Effect” has made kicking cool again, attracting a new wave of talent to the position.
The Future of NFL Kicking
As the 2024 season progresses, it’s clear that we are witnessing a kicking revolution in the NFL. Kickers are no longer an afterthought; they are game-changers, capable of deciding the outcome with a single swing of the leg. With the combination of specialized coaching, improved synergy, and the inspiration provided by stars like Justin Tucker, the future of NFL kicking looks brighter than ever.
It seems like it’s turning. I don’t want to speak too soon, I don’t want to jinx anything, but it’s good to see.
– Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers Kicker
As fans, we can only sit back and marvel at the precision and power on display every Sunday. The golden age of NFL kicking is upon us, and it’s a sight to behold. With each long-range conversion, these unsung heroes are rewriting the record books and changing the game one kick at a time.
