The NFL Is Kicking … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs
There’s no getting around the fact that foot is part of the sport’s name.
But never have the guys who use their feet in the game been as good as they are right now. The improvement in field goal kicking in the league has been on a remarkable rise.
In the 2008 season, NFL kickers set a new record for accuracy, making 84.5 percent of their field goals (845 out of 1,000 attempts.) It was the fifth consecutive season where league kickers set a record for field goal percentage. In 2004 it was 80.8 percent, then 81 percent, 81.4 percent and 82.8 percent in the 2007 season.
Plus, in the ‘08 season the league kickers set a record for PAT percentage, making 99.5 percent of the kicks (170 out of 176.) The previous high was 99.2 percent in the 2004 season.
But here’s a nugget that will provide unquestioned evidence on how much improvement there has been among kicker.
When Nick Lowery left the Chiefs after the 1993 season, he was the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history. At that point, Lowery had made 80 percent of his kicks (329 of 411 attempts) during 214 games over 15 seasons.
After the 2008 season, Lowery is now tied for 24th place. That’s 16 seasons and he dropped 23 places, or rather 23 kickers went flying past him with better career totals.
Last year if Lowery had been kicking and made his career average of 80 percent, he would have been the 24th ranked kicker in the league. The NFL’s best in 2008 was Detroit’s Jason Hanson, who made 95.5 percent of his kicks. Hanson was one of six kickers who averaged 90 percent or better. Today, Lowery would have trouble keeping his job.
Here’s the advancement of field goal percentage by 10-year increments starting with last season:
| Season | FGM | FGA | FG PCT. |
| 2008 |
845 |
1000 |
84.5 |
| 1998 |
708 |
889 |
79.6 |
| 1988 |
571 |
796 |
71.7 |
| 1978 |
427 |
677 |
63.1 |
| 1968-NFL |
242 |
435 |
55.6 |
| 1968-AFL |
179 |
305 |
58.7 |
In the NFL, that’s a nearly 30 percent jump over 40 seasons.
So what’s the reason behind this stunning advancement?
The football is the same size and shape, although the kickers now use balls that are specifically kept out of play and used only for the kicking game. The goal posts are just as wide as they’ve always been. The only difference there is the pipes were moved from the goal line to the back of the end zone before the 1974 season.
Better kicking has come because of better athletes handling the kicking, better teaching and more emphasis on special teams in the league.
Offensive linemen and backup quarterbacks are no longer serving as a team’s kicker as Lou Groza did for years with the Cleveland Browns and George Blanda with the Oakland Raiders. Both men are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but largely for their abilities blocking and throwing the football. In their era, rosters were smaller and players had to handle more duties. Expanded rosters have allowed for the growth of specialists like kickers, punters and long snappers.
Google the words “kicking camp” and the search engine reports back in less than three seconds with over one million mentions on the Internet. There are coaches in the NFL who have made a career out of just handling kickers like the Chiefs new special teams coach Steve Hoffman. Back in 1968, the league had no assistants that carried the title of special teams coach. The first one came the next season, when George Allen hired a young assistant coach from Stanford University to handle the kicking game for the Los Angeles Rams. His name was Dick Vermeil.
Better field conditions and indoor stadiums make an obvious difference, but there are still plenty of crummy, muddy fields were kickers attempt field goals in December and January.
The advancement in field goal kicking has come from the greater distances. Again last season, NFL kickers set a record for field goals made, field goals attempted and field goal percentage from 50 yards and more. They were 66 of 104 or 63.5 percent. That was a fraction over five percentage points higher than any previous season. Again, watch the 10-year progression from 50 yards plus:
| Season | FGM | FGA | FG PCT. |
| 2008 |
66 |
104 |
63.5 |
| 1998 |
47 |
87 |
54.0 |
| 1988 |
28 |
70 |
40.0 |
| 1978 |
6 |
34 |
17.6 |
| 1968-NFL |
3 |
26 |
11.5 |
| 1968-AFL |
3 |
22 |
13.6 |
League kickers also set league records last season for field goal percentage from 40 to 49 yards (74.5 percent) and 20 to 29 yards (98.1 percent).
Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at whether the Chiefs have followed the rest of the NFL with improved field goal kicking. Here’s a one-word hint: no.
COMMISH & SEAHAWKS COACH REACH SUMMIT OF MOUNT RAINIER
Sometime around 8:30 PDT Wednesday morning the climbing party that included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora Jr. reached the top of Mount Rainier in Washington.
The group included Seahawks CEO Todd Leiweke, several folks from the United Way in Seattle, a reporter from the Los Angeles Times and a cameraman from NFL Films. They raised nearly $400,000 for the charity with the climb.
Goodell had never climbed a mountain before, but trained for several months in New York by climbing the stairs in the building housing the NFL offices. Only about 50 percent of the climbers who attempt to reach the top of the 14,411-foot mountain get there.
Temperatures on Wednesday at the summit were nine degrees, but reportedly skies were clear.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on July 9, 1937 in McKinney, Texas was DB/RB Clem Daniels. He was part of the original Dallas Texans, playing in all 14 games of the 1960 season, most of that time as a defensive back. He had three interceptions that year for 10 yards. Daniels played nine seasons in the league and eventually moved to the Oakland Raiders and to running back. He ran for 122 yards on 31 carries for the Raiders in one game against the Chiefs during the 1963 season.
Born on July 9, 1970 in Cedar Rapids was QB Trent Green (right). Just retired after 16 seasons in pro football, Green joined the Chiefs in 2001 after a trade with the St. Louis Rams. He played six seasons with the team (2001-06), starting 90 games in the regular and post-season. Green finished his time with the Chiefs by completing 1,720 of 2,777 passes for 21,459 yards and 118 TD passes. He’s No. 2 in just about every career passing category for the franchise.
Born on July 9, 1973 in Yakima, Washington was QB Damon Huard. He joined the Chiefs as a free agent before the 2004 season and spent five years with the team (2004-08). He appeared in 26 games with 21 starts. He threw for 4,612 yards, with 24 TD passes and a career 83.3 passer rating in Kansas City. Huard will go to training camp with the San Francisco 49ers at the end of the month.
Where to begin on this kicking topic???
#1) Okay, many years ago Lamar Hunt suggested that the extra point kick was too automatic and should be replaced by a mandatory 2 point run-pass action points after in order to add excitement to the game and prevent fans from heading to the refreshment stands or rest rooms after a TD, whether in the stadium or at home.
I agree, and Bob’s stat of 99.5% of those PATs being made would certainly add to Lamar’s argument.
#2) Make the rule read all overtime games have to be won by at least 6 points which would require a team to at least score a TD in OT, OR kick 2 FGs which, in turn, would allow the other team a chance with their hands on the ball.
Bottom line, the kickers have gotten too good, too automatic and have sucked the suspense out of game during select moments like game winning OT scores and PATs.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
“Okay, many years ago Lamar Hunt suggested that the extra point kick was too automatic and should be replaced by a mandatory 2 point run-pass action points after in order to add excitement to the game and prevent fans from heading to the refreshment stands or rest rooms after a TD, whether in the stadium or at home.”
What was Lamar thinking? I would think he would want those fans going to the refreshment stands….that’s where the money is.
I think the game is fine as it is on kicking. Every year we have exciting situations that hang on a kick….and every year there are points missed because of bad kicks. It is by no means automatic….well…..at least when watching the Chiefs.
Dagnabbit….I didn’t get my post in before the idiot started posting.
holy crap! Trent green and damon huard are born on the exact same day.
Supplemental draft is coming up on the 16th. info about players: https://fatchatter.com/forum/index.php?topic=1844.0
I noticed that too findthedr. Interesting. Only 3 years separate them.
Happy Birthday, Trent!!!
On behalf of the fans, I want to apologize for the horrible way you were treated by King Carl and his Fig Newton-eating Lackey towards the end of your stay here. You SHOULD have been given an opportunity to compete for the starting job with Hapless Huard and Brittle Brodie.
Thanks for the great memories!!
Any thoughts on who’s likely to be kicking for us this year (and if they’ll be better than a certain kicker with the initials “L.E.”)?
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, and he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old, child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, and he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old, child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, and he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old, child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
Steve DeBerg once lined up to kick the winning field goal of a high school football game. When the football went flat, and he persuaded the referees to let him kick the field goal with a 3 month old, child. Steve DeBerg roundhouse kicked the baby 60 yards through the uprights and then proceeded to bang every girl in the stadium.
I see someone has not looked for a job yet, but I do feel left out.
Who’s Steve DeBerg?
Haha…Steve DeBerg was the Chiefs’ QB from 1988 or to 1991 (I think…Kreig took over for one year in 1992 before Montana came in in ‘93, right?) He had one season where he was incredible, playing with a broken pinky on his throwing hand…the rest of the time he was mediocre. Apparantly Fake Rin is enamoured with him.
Krieg, rather.
Looks as if the children are out again today to play on the blog…oh well, least the ‘fake’ is impostering as everyone now…
Speaking of which, what a nice group picture at the top this blog featuring Chiefs triumvirate - ‘check’, ’search’ & ‘jr.’
Today Rin shall add His manna to the kicking game topic that Bob G touched upon.
Despite the accurate reference to a better ‘this, that or the other’ be it training, time spent, or individual advancement, still holds true the best of yesteryear are as good or better in many cases than todays players at various positions (Rin has previously enumerated on same as regards punters, pass rushers, recently. ‘Kickers’ be no different whence the whys & wherefores are discerned.)
Today’s players more so their stats are also the beneficiary better conditions too - ‘playing’ as in field maintenance, and ‘playing’ via enclosed stadiums & ‘playing’ as in the equipment itself.
Why is it Jan Stenerud is the ONLY true kicker in the NFL HOF? Why - indeed.
Jan wasn’t the first soccer style kicker as is commonly misstated…nor was he the ‘best’ via lifetime accuracy etc. Nick Lowery - himself a former Chief - has an better overall stat line.
Yet, no one before or since Stenerud has made the HOF. The ‘why’ is because today’s modern players who ‘benefit’ including kickers have (rightly so) more expected of them.
As the overblown and in reality meaningless stats of modern QBs, WRs and the rest attest, stats in and of themselves tell only part of the story and one of the biggest aspects cast aside their cases remains rule changes.
So as always, yesteryear as its players takes a back seat to none same, modern.
This has been a Real Rin post - you know you’ve read Rin via the coolness authentication - as well the ‘check’ & ’search’
heh heh heh
Oh, and ‘jr.’ >
Jim Lloyd. Hope your joking bud.
I myself, like the guy. Eventhough is was very young at that time
It took five women ten years to give birth to Steve DeBerg.
It took five women ten years to give birth to Steve DeBerg.
Nice! I get my own “fake” too? Excellent! That must mean I’ve achieved Rin-status…woohoo!!
Time check its 10:15 and Herm is still the man
Ok who rattled the old crazy dog’s chain?
Atleast in my era, NICK THE KICK has been the best kicker we have had.
best special teams is still gansz, he took a punter at SMU and took him pro, he took jason hanson, the list goes on and on and on.
Time check its 10:15 and Herm is still the man
Time check its 10:15 and Herm is still the man
This stuff is kind of like spam e-mail isn’t it? Or a computer virus. All I have to say is whoever is posting as everyone else all day long must be totally without a life and incredibly pitiful. Probably a pedophile or a serial killer….or a homo all upset about the marriage laws in California. Definitely on welfare….by choice.
Or your mom.
Heh Heh Heh
IGNORE IT AND HOPEFULLY THE STORM WILL PASS!!
Or your mom.
Heh Heh Heh
Interesting that Bob mentions Nick Lowery, who was a great kicker, but doesn’t mention “our own” Jan Stenerud who’s the only kicker in the HOF. Where would Jan rank today? And what would it take today for a kicker to be elected to the HOF? Could they be? Bob, you’re a HOF voter - would you care to address that?
As to the impact of the kickers on the game - for years I’ve thought it interesting if not amusing that with all the spectacular runs and passes and high salaries for the wide receivers and running backs, kickers frequently lead their teams in scoring. Just one of life’s little ironies.
I feel better now~
Or your mom.
Heh Heh Heh
Football should be played in the elements. Not in domed stadiums. This levels the playing field as far as positions go. Then maybe kickers would get their just recognitions. How good are they in the rain, wind or snow? 80% sounds pretty good then.
Thanks for the supplemental draft link findthedr. It certainly wouldn’t hurt the Chiefs to throw a bid in the pile to try and acquire Jarmon. Since we were the 3rd worst team in the league, only Detroit and St Louis would trump us with an equal round bid. It sounds like Jarmon is worth a 5th round bid for certain and I might even say a 4th since we could use some more pass rusher types on this team. A 3rd might be too much for anyone in the supplemental draft. Also, I really like Deon Murphy out of K-State. Perhaps if he goes undrafted, we could pick him up before camp. We could use some more competition at WR and PR both.
“…kickers frequently lead their teams in scoring. Just one of life’s little ironies.”
The way Herm thought that scoring 17 points was a good amount of point production, you would have thought he would have had better personnel at the placekicker position.
Real Rin says daddy-o - Herm is STILL The Man!
’search’ & ‘check’ have nothing to say nee add, per the usual…
“use some more pass rusher types on this team.”
Where would the guy line up?
I could see Jarmon lining up at OLB
Tupac wouldn’t be dead if he hadn’t eaten Steve DeBerg’s Cheerios.
^ aka fake rin above…
Like taking candy from a baby; cue another Elton John paraphrase -
“Green eyes….fake Rin’s got (HUGE) green eyes.”
Real Rin says daddy-o Herm is STILL The Man!
I ’search’ agree; I ‘check’ do too.
heh heh heh!
Bob, if you happen to be reading this…sifting through the BS that the “comment” section has become…please, PLEASE consider setting up accounts that we would have to register for, and log into, in order to make comments here. It would cut down on some of the crap. I’ll always come for the articles, but am going to bypass the comments. It’s become a complete joke…and a waste of time. Which is too bad…because there are some good fans here with some really good thoughts and opinions. I used to really enjoy the debate. Too bad a couple of a-holes, or maybe just one, has ruined it for me, and everyone else.
To the TRUE fans…thanks. This was great for awhile, but not anymore. Good luck to our Chiefs this year. Maybe we’ll meet up again one of these days under better circumstances.
Game over.
yeah, I dont understand why some people get off on doing sh&t like this.
“To the TRUE fans…”
- you’re quite welcome…Rin’s pleasure. He shall continue to proffer His ‘really good thoughts and opinions’ that you reference along with those one or two other folks who do the same.
As for that ‘other’ one or two who do not more so add nothing of substance Rin also agrees with you wholeheartedly - they’re really taking away from Bob G’s site.
Real Rin authentication
Uh…well…ya know….
it is unfortunate, Bob has a great site here. Lots of great information.
Maybe when training camp start all the garbage will end or this site may just end by being taken over these guys.
Unfortunately Bob probably does not have the time to police the posts attached to his articles. If he set up a password system that would not stop the idiot because even if baned he could register under a new fake user name and again, Bob probably does not have the time to police the posts. The only thing registering would do would be to keep idiot boy from posting as everybody else….which may make it worth it. But I think we are stuck with idiot boy or girl for as long as they want to turn up and act like an idiot.
Others have said this and I agree….we must ignore the idiot troll from this day forward. We must remind ourselves repeatedly to ignore the idiot troll. From now on I will follow my post with this quote “ignore the idiot troll”. We must not talk to the idiot troll directly. If we must speak of him and inform people that his idiot impostor post is not by us then let us talk about him as if he is not here.
It may take a long time but he will become bored eventually. Let us not grow weary….just ignore the idiot.
Make it so.
Finally! I made Scott quit posting!! YES!!
One down, three more to go!
Heh Heh Heh
We need a way to sign up and maybe a way to ignore a person. Or, maybe Bob should just stop with the comment section all together.
Real Rin daddy-o did not make that ‘fake’ eyes rin post above Justin Foote, both ’search’ & ‘check’ affirming.
Keep trying though!