Quote:
Originally Posted by SDK_06_CHAMP
the problem with just going with the vet is that the kid isnt being compared equally with what he has done this year. longwell's experience kicking doesnt make him #1 in my eyes. gould has scored the most points. points matter in sports. i think longwell is a great kicker and is only percentage points behind gould, but is still behind him up to this point in the season.
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That is like saying Vangerjagt is a better kicker than Vinatieri. If points are all that matter, then Vanderjagt is the best kicker ever since nobody has been more proficient getting points.
It has nothing to do with experience. It is about knowing how they perform in the clutch, to get the points when they are needed, not gravy. This is Gould's 2nd season and he has NEVER had to decide a game with his leg. On top of that, he has NEVER even attempted a kick from 50 yards.
Points do matter. Put 90% of the kickers in the league in Gould situation and they too would be leading the league in points. All he has had to do is line up from inside 40-some yards and knocking home easy points in blow-outs. The next time he trots onto the field in OT or late in the 4th will be the first. Very little has been asked of him.
Lets compare them equally:
How many game winning kicks has Gould made? Longwell has the OT gamewinner against the Panthers PLUS the game tying TD pass. The gamewinning kick against the Redskins with 60 seconds left on the clock. Gould? None.
How important have they been to the offense? Longwell has supplied 41 of the Vikes meager 89 points, 46% of the total offense. Gould has been in 4 blow-outs. Had Gould missed EVERY kick, Bears still win all but the Vikes game. Take away Longwell's points, Vikes are winless.
How have they been on the tough kicks? This is the only place where Gould ties Longwell. Longwell has missed both his 50+ kicks. Gould has yet to attempt one.
In other words, Gould has yet to do anything that virtually any other kicker in the league isn't capable of. Line up for short-range kicks with no pressure and knock home easy points in blow-outs.
Coaches favor experienced kickers they can trust for a reason. Gould still has yet to prove he can be counted on when it matters. Until he does, tough to bank on him over a guy who has proven himself (not only historically, but this year as well).