Ode to Kickers

Tense is always an important thing. Notice the difference between the following statements:

I love you
I used to love you

And…

You suck
You sucked

And…

Justin Medlock is a Kansas City Chief
Justin Medlock was a Kansas City Chief

See the difference?

Now, I USED to like Medlock. Well, I never really “liked” him, but I didn’t NOT like him. It was one of those “He’s a rookie so I expect him to have a rough start” kind of things. His pre-season 3-6 performance did not bother me. I figured he was getting used to a new holder, snapper and line. Getting used to the new hash marks and the speed of the game.

Then Sunday happened.

Before I continue, here is a brief timeline that should be noted:

Day Two of the NFL Draft, Round Five: Chiefs select Justin Medlock, generally considered the most accurate of the kickers in the draft and the second best kicker overall.

Day Two of the NFL Draft, Round Six: Packers select Mason Crosby, generally considered the best kicker in the draft with the best leg. Sometimes spotty accuracy.

May 22: Chiefs trade Lawrence Tynes to the Giants for a conditional draft pick.

Now, let’s review the days these three gentlemen had:

Medlock: 1-2, missed from 30-yards, made from 27-yards out
Crosby: 3-3, made from 53, 37, 42- yards out. Hit game-tying field goal with :45 remaining and game-winning field goal with :02 remaining.
Tynes: 3-3, made from 44, 48, 24-yards out

I have no problems spending draft picks on kickers. I fully supported the Dustin Colquitt pick (though it was weird supporting it) when he was picked the third round. Punters don’t score and he was taken on the first day. Kickers do score and Medlock was taken in the second day. I was totally fine with taking the kicker. I trusted the Chiefs made the right decision because I trust Herman Edwards scouting ability (see: Page, Pollard and Hali).

But lets face it, they were WAY off on this one. WAY off. So off, Medlock may not be on the team next week.

So while Crosby is winning games and Tynes is being a steady, consistent performer, we sit here without a kicker, an offense or a return game. Awesome. Carl Peterson rules. Herman Edwards, you’re next.