Kicking System Blog

In this TKS Radio Show, host John Matich and guest Filip Filipovich talk about Billy Cundiffs missed kick, Lawrence Tynes game winning field goal and Filip gives an insight to the crop of punters and kickers coming out this year in the NFL. Filip also talks about his new kicking endeavor, Top Kicker in America, a showcase kicking event in Las Vegas.

Posted By Tim Valencia

If you have been following this blog or any news site lately I am sure you know how much analysis has been going on with the now infamous Missed field goal in the AFC Champoionship game by Billy Cundiff.

After John Maatich, (TKS Owner) has analyzed speicifically the kick the operation and everything leading up to the kick it is important to know one thing… a kicker should only be thinking about his next kick.  Below is a link from the Baltimore Sun who uses multiple writers giving their opinion on the miss.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/sc-spt-0125-4corners-20120124,0,7738966.story

While I am ecstatic that there is a plethora of kicking topics and people writing about it, the information on this topic should slowly start dying out.  While I am a huge fan of Billy Cundiff I feel the more this topic is discussed the more it does disservice to Cundiff and everything he has done in his career.  Much like an Offensive Lineman, a holder a snapper, the only time a kicker is the focal point is when they mess up.

I also have to give Cundiff his due he hasnt blamed anyone, he shoulders the blame and has taken his licks in stride.  In addition Ray Lewis has shown to be a consumate teamate and locker room leader, even if he did this Madden commercial back in 2004.

POSTED BY TIM VALENCIA

One of the most important aspects of kicking is confidence, and with the NFL playoffs being cut down to only eight teams, I have decided to rank the final 8 kickers in a new way that was shown on the radio show of Mike and Mike on ESPN.

Rather than an overall ranking, kickers will be ranked 1 through 8 in three distinct categories; Leg Strength, Accuracy, and Clutch/Experience.  The kicker with the lowest cumulative score is the kicker I have the most confidence in to help his team win their playoff games.

Leg Strength-  (Based on touchbacks, and long field goals during the 2011 season)

• Matt Prater Denver Broncos-1
• Mason Crosby Green Bay Packers-2
• David Akers San Francisco 49ers-3
• Billy Cundiff Baltimore Ravens-4
• Lawrence Tynes New York Giants-5
• Neil Rackers Houston Texans-6
• Stephen Gostkowski New England Patriots-7
• John Kasay New Orleans Saints-8

Prater has a supernatural leg when it comes to strength, as well as him having an advantage of playing in Denver, it makes sense for him to be ranked number 1st. Crosby made a 58 yard field goal this year along with 49 touchbacks this season so he comes a very, very close second. Akers has 47 touchbacks this year while having an amazing year in San Francisco, it also helps that he made a 55 yard field goal this year for a long.  Billy Cundiff, comes in fourth, with 44 touchbacks and a long of 51.  Lawrence Tynes comes in next with 34 touchbacks and a long of 50.  Rounding out the last three are Rakers Gostkowski and the Immortal John Kasay.

Accuracy

• Crosby-1
• Gostkowski-2
• Akers-3
• Rackers-4
• Kasay-5
• Tynes-6
• Prater-7
• Cundiff-8

The top four are a toss up as all completed around 85 percent of their kicks this year.   John Kasay comes in at five due to his limitation on his range so he will be presented with more reasonable field goal attempts.  Tynes and Prater follow up at 6 and 7 with their leg strength being the largest part of their game and accuracy playing a more secondary role.  Following up is Cundiff at 8,  Cundiff does have a very accurate leg, but he is coming back from an injury as well as he had a down year completing only 75% of  his kicks.

Clutch/ Experience:

• Akers-1
• Crosby-2
• Kasay-3
• Tynes-4
• Gostkowski-5
• Rackers-6
• Cundiff-7
• Prater-8

This one might be the most difficult, but in an effort to be objective I have ranked based on career clutch kicks and postseason experience. Akers ranks 1st with a high amount of playoff experience including multiple game winning kicks and superbowl experience.  Crosby ranks right behind him with clutch postseason experience in his very short career as well as a Superbowl ring from last year.  After Crosby, Kasay is slotted in as he is the most experienced kicker as well as having playoff and superbowl experience.  The next two; Tynes and Gostkowski both have Super bowl experience but Tynes gets the nod since he has a Superbowl ring. Finally, Cundiff and Prater, while both have plenty of game winning kicks but Cundiff gets the slight nod with more playoff experience.

After all the totals are added up the Kickers rank the following:

• Mason Crosby-5
• David Akers-7
• Lawrence Tynes-14
• Stephen Gostkowski-14
• John Kasay-16
• Matt Prater-16
• Neil Rakers-16
• Billy Cundiff-19

Not too much surprise here as Crosby is the Kicker that I have the most confidence in these playoffs, with David Akers with a close second.  Only time will tell if these picks hold true.

In this segment Carl Westin, Westview HS (San DIego, CA) kicker, talks about his game winning field on October 14th, 2011 vs Torrey Pines HS. It was Westview’s first win against Torrey Pines.

I have been wanting to write a blog elaborating on one of the major themes we preach here at TKS, MENTAL PREPARATION for kickers and punters.  With the first week of the NFL, specifically the Chargers has presented a perfect example of the importance of being mentally prepared at all times.

With the first play of the game the Chargers lost the most consistent kicker in NFL history, and a potent weapon to their offense.  In a moments instance, Mike Scifres went form being a player concerned with field position and limiting anothers offense, to being ready at a moments notice to score points.  Without a doubt, Scifres stepped in nearly flawlessly and helped the Chargers overcome a first half deficit and win the first game of the season.   While Scifres couldnt have been thinking his involvement in kicking field goals was a likely outcome, his ability at performing so well isnt just a testament to his physical abilities but also his mental preparation.

Prior to kicking in the game against the Vikings, Scifres mentioned the last time he kicked field goals was in practice 2 years before.  Since Scifres was prepared well enough he was able to recall how to kick as quickly as he could.  Combined with this was Weddles performance in taking upon the responsibilities as a holder.  In connection with Kaedings injury was the signing of NIck Novak.  Novak didnt just was able to prepare himself for some high pressure kicks in less than 2 days notice.  Also the time last he place with a live rush/snapper/holder was during the previous UFL season.  Essentially, Novak also deserves praise illustrating incredible mental preparation to perform at such a high level to win the starting job.

Basically, what I am saying is mental preparation is equally if not more important that all of the physical preparation and mechanical work you can do each week.  As I said in the offseason, you prepare physically in the offseason and preseason is all maintenance and mental preparation.  Regardless of the seriousness of possible outcomes in your potential kicking future, it is important to always be prepared for all outcomes.  This is as easy as running any scenario through your mind and relying on muscle memory and routine to deal with the each possible scenario.

Vince Lombardi once said,” The worst thing in the world is wasted talent”  You can be have the strongest leg in the world, but without proper mental preparation you will choke under the slightest bit of pressure or less than perfect circumstances, you wont have a chance at making any kicks.  And no coaches like excuses.

In this episode, Tim Valencia talks with Brian Stahovich, SDSU punter, about kicking and punting in college, kicking technique and much more.

THE KICKING SYSTEM

In this episode, former NFL Kickers talks about his career, his future, kicking technique and key tips to help you take your kicking game to the next level! Another must listen!

www.kickingsystem.com

It has been a busy summer and TKS wanted to take the time and preview this years kickers and punters for San Diego High Schools for 2011. Every year we are amazed of all the publications (we will not name them) on how much they don’t know about the best kickers in Southern California & San Diego. Special Teams will play a big part in many of the leagues this year.

1) Brian Heinz SR. – Cathedral Catholic HS – Brian has the size about 6-5 190 and has been working on his technique all off-season. We expect a blow out year for Brian as long as he stays healthy. Brian won the Kansas State punting and kicking camp compeition this summer and his confidence is rising.

2) Nick Stanistas SR.  – Scripps Ranch HS – Nick a lefty should put every ball in the endzone this fall and contend for the field goal title if given the chance at Scripps. Nick went and visitied numerous DII schools of the summer and getting some heavy consideration from a few of them.

3) Travis Nicklaw. JR. – University City HS – A late bloomer and soccer convert – Travis has plenty of leg strengh, if he works on his technique should be a all-league kicker. Has the potential to be on the top kickers in San Diego this fall.

4) Diego Rodriguez, JR. – Lincoln HS – Its not often you find a good kicker at this school but they may have one with Diego.  He has been working hard and although he is small in stature he will be blasting away touchbacks on a regular basis. Look for a good year from Diego.

5) Brady Esterbrook – JR. Patrick Henry High School – Brady kicks and punts but has a knack for punting. Great hands with a quick leg, he has shown some progress over the course of the summer. Brady should contend for best punter this fall.

6) Jason Dunbar – SR. -Escondido HS – Jason also punts and kicks but favors the punting. Jason who is looking to play college football has all the right tools and could make a name for himself this fall as a punter.

7) Kyler McLaughlin – SR. Serra HS – TKS only had chance to work with Kyler back when he was a sophmore when former Serra Kicker Parker Munoz was a senior. Kyler was just learning the ropes back then, but has the ability with a strong leg and athletic ability to content for all league kicker. Kyler us a soccer player convert as well.

8 ) Jack Mitchell – SR. Torrey Pines HS — You dont have to say much when you talk about the storied past of the kicking tradition at Torrey Pines. BUT we think Jack could possibly have the strongest leg out of all the kickers to come out Torrey. Jack who can also punt is fine athletes and have seen him crush kick offs (4.25 -76 yards at the TKS Spring Clinic). If he stays healthy and can master the technique, Jack has all the talent to be a DI kicker.

9) Seamus McMorrow – SR. Saints HS – Hitting a 58 yard field last year says a lot. Power is not a problem for Seamus. Although he finished with tough game last season, look for a great year from him. Possible offers coming soon…

Others to Note:

Noam Baltinester – SD Jewish Academy

• Yossi Stein – La Jolla Country Day School
• Leigh Wallace – La Jolla Country Day School
• Jonathan Bennett  – Mira Mesa HS
• Adrian Vila – Rock Academy
• Amrando Serna  – Montgomery
• Vann Sabin – Helix
• Josh McIntire – West Hills

If anyone has currently been watching any of the preseason games, I am sure you have heard the complaints of the new kickoff rule.  Through two weeks, touchbacks are up twenty from last year.  While it is a small sample size it is expected to increase even more as we progress into the regular season.

While this rule is not expected to be amended anytime this year, the initial backlash has been felt, each game the new rule has been a topic of discussion.

Kick return players have not been the only people to comment on the rule change.  Up until recently, no one has commented as thoroughly as New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick has.

Coach Belichick has proposed going even further with changing the rules for kickers.

“Philosophically, plays that are nonplays shouldn’t be in the game,” he told WEEI, a Boston radio station. “I don’t think it is good for the game. Extra points, when the odds are in the 99 percent range, it is not a play. Let’s move the ball back to the 15-, 20-yard line and not make it a tap-in. Let them kick it. Same thing with the kickoff return. If you’re going to put the ball on the 20, put the ball on the 20.” – from article by Dan Daly Washington Times  Wednesday August 24th 2011

As much as kickers are seen as non athletes, the recent rule change hasnt been just because of safety but also because kickers have gotten to good at what their duties.  This is evident in the suggested changes by Coach Belichick, kickers now convert PAT’s at a 99% rate where as they convert field goals from 30-39 yards at a rate of 87%.  So now the questions stands to you.

Cha-Ching! Are the words that come out of my mouth after this first week of signings since the lockout lifted in the NFL. Of course I am happy for a new CBA and NFL season, but what I am excited about is the HUGE contracts this punters and kickers are receiving. Here is breakdown of a few of them:

1) Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers – 5 years 14.75 million – 3 million guaranteed — Don’t get me wrong Crosby has a great leg, but 5 years almost 15 million worth? He is 10-21 outside 50 yards, and I understand Lambeau field is tough but not sure if he is worth the almost 15 million.

2) Ryan Longwell, Minnesota Vikings – 4 years 12 million – 3.5 million guaranteed. Longwell deserves every penny, great kicker and glad to see him get his due.

3) Olindo Mare, Carolina Panthers – 4 year 12 million – 4 million guaranteed. Mare should be one the highest paid kickers in the league because he does both field goals and kickoffs really, really, really well. He is getting older but for kickers he is in his prime.

4) Adam Podelsh, Chicago Bears – 5 year (Cant find any details on the contract)– I thought Weatherford would be a Bear, now that let Maynard go – Podlesh is about 10 years younger, could provide consistency over the next few years. Dude ranked 4th in net punt last year and was a pro bowl alternate. Rumors he can run a 4.5 40 yard dash.

5) Adam Vinateri, Indianapolis Colts – 3 year extension — There is not enough money you can give this guy.

6) Michale Koenan, Tampa Bay Bucaneers – 6 year – 19.5 million. Well I know Koenan does kickoffs and punts and has a very strong leg. But he does not rank in any of the top 5 categories in punt totals. Not sure what the Bucs are thinking but time will tell if he can produce some good punt numbers. Kickoffs are great, should even improve kicking in Florida. He has a better deal than Lechler from the Radiers, makes no sense to us.  Thank you for the new CBA!

7) Nick Folk, New York Jets, resigned for a 1 year deal (according to Chuck Vine of Titan Sports) – 76% last year on field goals last year, still young at 27, and will compete with Nick Novak this summer.

8 ) David Akers signed a 3 year deal with the 49ners – With Nedney and all of his injuries (he just failed a physical), he is expected to retire this year. I think getting veteran to kick in San Francisco is always good thing, with the wind conditions having a reliable kicker will be huge for new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Wonder why he did not pick up his old college kicker Nate Whittaker (Vikings) to at least compete for the job. I know Akers finished on a sour note in Philly but his daughter was just diagnosed with cancer who is 6 years old.

9) Shaun Suisham, Pittsburg Steelers,  signed a new deal as well. (Not sure of the details) But connected on 14-15 field goals after replacing Jeff Reed. Its not east to kick at Heinz Field, so far he has done an excellent job.

10) Steve Weatherford, NY Giants – 1 year $870 K – I think a great signing for the Giants after Matt Dodge and his debacle in the final game of the season Weatherford can provide some solid field position which he has proven with the Jets.

11) Phil Dawson, Cleveland Browns – signed a tendered contract.

12) Matt Prater, Denver Broncos – singed a tendered contract.

Not to mention the frenzy of all the free agent rookie kickers and punters that have signed as well. It has been crazy!

Here is a list I pulled from my previous post for free agent signings:

Chas Henry, Eagles
Travis Baltz, Colts
Josh Jasper, Tampa Bay
Nate Whittaker, Minnesota Vikings
Thomas Webber, Bengals
Brian Saunders, Jaguars
Dan Bailey – Cowboys
Derrek Epperson, Cardinals
Ryan Donahue, Lions
Reid Forrest, Buffalo
Jacob Harfmen – Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills – Chris Hazley
Spencer Lanning – Chicago Bears
Jeff Wolfert – Clevland Browns
Brett Hatmann – Houston Texans
Chirs Koepplin – New England Patriots
John Gold – Seattle Seahawks
Jake Rodgers, New Orleans Saints
Chad Cunningham – Tennessee Titans
Wes Byrum – Seattle Seahawks

I know there are few more….

www.kickingsystem.com