Can the kicker can handle the pressure of a game winning FG? - New England Patriots Forums

JoeSixPat · 01-10-2007, 06:52 PM

San Diego's Nate Kaeding that is....

The last time he was in the playoffs he blew what would have been a game winning FG in overtime against the Jets in the AFC Wildcard game...

I'm sure he's forgotten all about that though, and its the furthest thing from his mind going into Sunday's game.

Quote:

"Obviously, I'm disappointed," Kaeding said. "That situation is something you play for all year, and I wasn't able to come through. The toughest thing is letting my teammates down and the coaches down, and not being able to look them in they eye knowing that I came through and did my job when it counted."

It was a bitter end for the Chargers (12-5), who won the AFC West and were back in the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

San Diego's Marty Schottenheimer, named the NFL Coach of the Year earlier in the day, also endured his latest playoff disappointment as he fell to 5-12 all-time in the postseason.

"I've been through this before, as we all know, that's been well-documented," said Schottenheimer, who has lost his last five playoff games dating to 1993 with Kansas City. "My disappointment, quite frankly, is for the players in locker room, and this community."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/foo...528_recap.html

MrClutch · 01-10-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSixPat

San Diego's Nate Kaeding that is....

The last time he was in the playoffs he blew what would have been a game winning FG in overtime against the Jets in the AFC Wildcard game...

I'm sure he's forgotten all about that though, and its the furthest thing from his mind going into Sunday's game.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/foo...528_recap.html

If the situation arises once again, that miss in the AFC Wildcard game missed kick will probably be the closest thing to his mind.

VJCPatriot · 01-10-2007, 06:56 PM

I'm hoping we don't let this game come down to a FG and beat the chargers convincingly.

bolts_fan · 01-10-2007, 07:03 PM

He doesn't have to wait until Sunday. It's been on his mind ever since:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...9chargers.html

And yes, he can definitely handle the pressure this time around. :-)

JoePats · 01-10-2007, 07:19 PM

Honestly I have no confidence in Gostkowski to make a big kick on the road.

wdkantro2 · 01-10-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoePats

Honestly I have no confidence in Gostkowski to make a big kick on the road.

I can't tell you what to think, but how does having no confidence accomplish anything? We aren't getting a new kicker anytime soon, and Gostkowski has all the kicking tools needed to be a great one down the road.

JoePats · 01-10-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkantro2

I can't tell you what to think, but how does having no confidence accomplish anything? We aren't getting a new kicker anytime soon, and Gostkowski has all the kicking tools needed to be a great one down the road.

I don't disagree w/ that. I'm just saying that if he had to make a 42 yarder to win the game, I think he'll miss. Just my opinion. Hope its wrong.

wdkantro2 · 01-10-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoePats

I don't disagree w/ that. I'm just saying that if he had to make a 42 yarder to win the game, I think he'll miss. Just my opinion. Hope its wrong.

It is tough to say because he has never been in that spot before.
I'm not saying he can be compared to Vinateri at all (yet), but don't forget last year when the Pats started to get their act together against the Broncos, and AV missed a field goal that would have made it a one posession game. It was a big kick that he missed, even though it wasn't a game winner.

I only bring this up because the people who bring up the kicker are usually people who hate the loss of Vinateri (not saying you are one necessarily, just in general).

***Ghost of Ben Dreith*** · 01-10-2007, 08:59 PM

If I remember correctly, that miss by Kaeding against the Jesters was on a rain soaked field...not a drizzle.

JoeSixPat · 01-10-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bolts_fan

He doesn't have to wait until Sunday. It's been on his mind ever since:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...9chargers.html

And yes, he can definitely handle the pressure this time around. :-)

You guys do have a good kicker on your hands - no doubt.

The fact is though that NEITHER kicker has really proven it at this level with a potential game winning kick.

Give Gostowski a little bit of credit - he was strong and accurate last week. In effect he's got one more good playoff game under his belt than Kaeding does.

Every kick in a playoff game is high pressure - but of course Gostowski hasn't yet been in that game winning situation yet... so far he's looking good though.