The difference between a basketball player missing a free throw and a kicker missing a field goal? The basketball player isn't around to JUST make free throws. It's not the ONLY thing he practices. I would actually equate a kicker to a relief pitcher or a closer in baseball. If Mariano Rivera wasn't an amazing closer, he would be out of a job. His one purpose on the field is to come in and get strike outs, as Maldonado's one purpose is to kick field goals.
He blew the kick and his range seems very, very limited. Whether we pin the loss on him or not, doesn't it seem like the Ducks would want better kicking than they're getting? Ed O.
That kid is ranked as the 99th most accurate kicker in the NCAA. Under 55% overall. That is pathetic. I knew the game was over when I realized we were going to have to settle for a FG attempt. Decent kickers in college football are around 80%
A couple easy catches, no fumble by LaMichael in red zone, no blown coverage by the youthful corners and this game wouldn't of had to come down to a field goal. Its a team effort. Crucifying a kicker over a missed kick when everybody knows he can't hit from distance is silly. I'll bet you go through that Duck locker room and each and every player agrees.
If the kick was from 40+ I would agree with you, but this was well within his range AND it was centered. It's not like the guy came up short, he completely choked and shanked the thing to the left.
