In short: Very, very important. Here’s some evidence:
- In 2019, a whopping 73% of NFL games were decided by a FG or less. Meaning nearly 3 of 4 games could have been decided by the guy who wasn’t drafted and played only a handful of plays each game. (Link: https://www.abc15.com/sports/super-…hought-but-they-are-key-to-super-bowl-success)
- Last season in 2021, in the first 2 months of the season an NFL record was set with the number of games going down to a final play. (Link: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/oct/13/nfl-has-record-number-of-games-going-down-to-final/)
- According Vegas oddsmakers, almost 20% of all NFL games since 2003 were literally decided by the kicker. It’s why oddsmakers most often have a 3 pt margin set for set for most betting lines.
- Last year in the divisional round of the playoffs, 3 of the 4 winning teams won their games with a game winning FG. That was an a new NFL record. (Link: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id…h-kickers-dominate-divisional-round-showdowns
- We should have/could have been 13-4 instead of 12-5 last year if Greg Zeurline didn’t miss an XP and chip shot FG vs Tampa Bay in that 31-30 loss on opening day. Frustrating.
This could go on….Can we all agree having a dependable K is critical if you’re serious about winning in the playoffs? Or even just to MAKE the playoffs.
I believe the Cowboys know this. But seems like the search for a better K has been going on since Dan Bailey lost his mojo a few years ago. Here’s hoping the team finds someone better than what we’ve settled for since Bailey left.
How important is an NFL kicker? Recent history says very important.
Discuss this on CowboysZone (77 comments)
