Oh, undoubtedly Rackers was a lot better from 40-49 in prior years. But his struggles this year coupled with his age make me question whether he can regain that form. The other issue is that his attempts from 50+ are so low. Yes, it's good that he went 4 of 5 - but that's mostly because those were in very controlled situations (indoors). Outdoors (and especially come January), his range is limited enough that Kubiak knows not to even send him out. For example, Scobee had more attempts (6) from 50+ than Rackers, even though Scobee played with an awful offense that only gave him 25 attempts on the season! (Rackers, by comparison, had 38.)
I still like Rackers, but he's a FA and he's #2 on my list. I like Scobee as my clear #1 though. I looked a little closer at Barth, but he's terrible at kickoffs and still young in his career so I'm not sure what kind of performance he would bring in 2012. Crossed him off my list.
When its preferable to let your punter handle kickoffs, that's a dubious sign. Rackers was #27 in the league from 40-49 yards this season. He's automatic inside there, but I'm sorry - kickers are cheap and grow on trees. Only a few are outstanding and worth clutching onto long term. As far as prior years, 4 seasons out of 7 in Arizona he kicked below 77%. And two of his 3 seasons as a Bengal he kicked below 65%. He's replaceable. Even good kickers are cheap. Replace him.
The Jags couldn't get as deep into the the opponents side of the field, thus more attempts. Rob Bironas only had 7. Does Rackers have the strongest leg? No. Is it on par with most kickers? Yes. I wouldn't want Scobee. I think you always try to improve your team, but how many kickers are noticeably better than Rackers? Bironas Gould I'd consider Rackers a top 10 kicker. If the right guy comes along, I'd pull the trigger, but none of the current FA kickers are upgrades.
You can't base your opinion on a kicker by four missed field goals. The sample size from last year is too small. Nearly every kicker has bad seasons, and I completely discount Rackers' Bengals career, since it was awful and at the beginning and he has been worlds better ever since. He is replaceable. If we were talking about him commanding big money, that would be a valid point, but we are talking about improving the position, which is different than replacing.
Bringing Rackers back won't be the worst thing in the world. Would like to see us upgrade if possible. Have always hated the feeling watching your FG kicker line up for a 42 yarder and feel 50/50 on him hitting it.
He was 8 of 13 for 40+. That's a 62% success rate. The league average was 71%. Had he made just one more 40+ he would have been at 69%. On the other hand, for FGs of less than 40, he hit 96% of those compared to a league average of 92%. Overall he hit 84.2% to a league average of 82.9%. I don't see the problem.
Perhaps the Texans were reading this? http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/03/17/texans-may-draft-kicker-for-first-time-ever In all seriousness, I think going from Rackers to Bullock would be an excellent upgrade while also being more cap-friendly. The downside is that you probably have to use a 5th or 6th round draft pick to do it, but I'm fine with that sacrifice for reliable kicker with a big leg (think of the kickoffs, too). Hope this works out.
The Texans better draft him a round early like the 4th otherwise a team could look at him in the 5th as a value pick and take him.
The guy is consistent and has a boot...it is not like we have huge success out of our 6th rounders anyway. Draft him if we can...
I go to A&M and I like Randy Bullock but every time I saw him the only thought that crossed my mind was: "******..."
