Kubiak Mistakes with Kicker Rackers Concerns EMJohn

Our 3rd down conversion% has been atrocious recently though.

 

It looks more like a small sample size problem than anything else. From 40-49 yards:

2007: 5-6
2008: 6-6
2009: 6-7
2010: 5-7
2011: 3-7

This year is the only year he's really struggled there. From 50+, it's the opposite:

2007: 3-9
2008: 1-2
2009: 0-0
2010: 3-4
2011: 3-4

Here, he's been great the last two years.

 

I'm always a fan of going for it on 4th down, no matter what. I say yes.

 

Perhaps we can send the punter out for fg's longer than 50 yards?

 

We're a measly 27% (3 for 11) on 4th down conversions this year. I don't recall how many of those might have been desperation 4th downs, but it can't be many since we haven't trailed by large margins.

The best in the league is Tennesse at 71% (10 for 14), but the league as a whole is 43%. That number is probably deflated some by desperation attempts, so if you exclude those I'd guess it's closes to 50% conversion rate.

Based on that, even Rackers subpar kicking has better odds than converting a 4th down. And as Major pointed out, he's been pretty solid throughout his career. And don't even talk to me about punting when you have a 50 or less yard field goal. That would be incredibly stupid, depending on the game situation, to pass up a good chance at points...and everyone here would be flaming Kubiak if that happened.

 

First year I dont feel confident with him. Especially on long ones.

 

Is it just me, or does he typically flub it when kicking from the left hash mark?

I cringe every time he's lined up on the left side of the field because he'll overcompensate and miss wide-right.

 

My friends and I were just talking about this on Sunday... I haven't gone back to look at the stats, but it seems like the last 3-4 games have been shaky, and I now find myself getting nervous when he comes out. Before that he seemed to be lights out.

On a sidenote, I realized last night that playing the Steelers might be a good matchup for us because their kicker sucks and Big Ben is a statue with that ankle injury. Playoff games frequently come down to a kick, so it would be nice to have an edge in that department.

 

I swear he is Al Del Greco reincarnate. If he shanks a 39 yard field goal against the Steelers in the playoffs I will murder someone.

 

Yeah I think what is concerning is he has regressed throughout the season. He was lights out earlier in the year, going 14-15 through the first 7 games.

Last seven games he's been 12-17, and missed a field goal in each of the last three games.

Certainly he has been an upgrade to Kris Brown, but if he can't reclaim a little more consistency, I would hope the team would at least bring in someone to challenge him next preseason.