Cursed: Evil or misfortune that comes as if in response to imprecation or as retribution.
Have the football Gods struck their retributive arrow into our souls for our glutinous litany of kickers we’ve strutted out in such a narcissistic fashion since the release of our last “Great” kicker Matt Bryant before the start of the 2009 season? Looking back now at the Bryant release ( who is still kicking for the Atlanta Falcons and has compiled some truly magical moments in a Falcon jersey), we realize just how detrimental that decision nearly a decade ago is STILL affecting this franchise. Simply put, Bryant was cut in preseason by Raheem and Co. after a hamstring injury prevented him from kicking at all that preseason.
Mark Dominik brought in former Bengal’s kicker Mike Nugent with the excuse of Bryant’s leg from deep in his career going 2-10 over 50 yards. Dominik seemed to have forgotten how amazing of a moment when that 62 yarder went through the uprights for Jon Gruden that day, For God’s sake, former Pam Iorio made the day after that kick, Oct 23rd, “Matt Bryant Day”. What the hell happened?
Now, Dominik at the time of ’09-’12, had actually found a viable replacement in Connor Barth after juggling between Nugent (4 gms) and Shane Andrus (3 gms). 2010-’12 Barth was accurate to the tune of 86.6% those three years. 2013 they decide to bring in former Bills K Rian Lindell (79.3%), after giving up on Barth’s 84.8% in ’12. 2014 they decide to go with Patrick Murray who went 83.3%. Back to Barth in ’15 for 12 games, and then subsequently traded TE Tim Wright to Detroit for K Kyle Brindza. 4 games later, Brindza is 6-12 and out of a job. Of course, we all know who took over kicking duties in 2016, no need to bring that certain name up again.
From Lawrence Tynes’ bout of MRSA, to Nick Folk’s struggles, I don’t think this crazy ride is stopping any time soon…
