Bobhaze
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In short: Very, very important. Here’s some evidence:
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.
- 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.
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.