The NFL season of 2024 is already generating buzz as we witness impressive feats and surprising setbacks, particularly in the realm of field goal kicking. This week has shined a spotlight on the role of kickers, with both stunning successes and surprising failures punctuating the games.
Brandon Aubrey's Emergence
Among the standouts, Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys has emerged as a formidable kicker, consistently nailing field goals from 50 yards. His ability to deliver under pressure positions him as a pivotal player for the Cowboys as the season intensifies. Aubrey’s performances are noted not just for distance but also for the unerring accuracy that has been lacking in others this week.
Unpredictability of Week 11
Week 11 unfolded with its fair share of unpredictability. Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles, previously ranked within the top 25 for career field goal rates, faced a challenging game against the Washington Commanders. Elliott's performance was uncharacteristic; he missed three critical attempts, including an extra point. And yet, despite his off day, the Eagles emerged victorious. Elliott’s record showcases a perfect postseason streak, a testament to his capability when stakes are at their highest. However, the misses serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional football.
Justin Tucker’s Struggles
Meanwhile, Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker, renowned for holding the best career field goal rate in NFL history at 89.7% prior to Week 11, faced his own challenges. Tucker missed field goals from 47 and 50 yards — kicks he usually makes with precision. These misses proved costly for the Ravens, who lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers by a narrow two-point margin. Tucker's stellar reputation remains intact, but his recent performance underscores the fine margins that define success and failure in the NFL.
Evan McPherson's Critical Miss
The kicking woes weren’t confined to Elliott and Tucker. Evan McPherson of the Cincinnati Bengals missed two field goals in their clash against the Los Angeles Chargers, with his 51-yard attempt being particularly problematic. The misses played a significant role as the Bengals found themselves struggling to capture the momentum in the game. McPherson’s last season was marked by a series of impressive performances, and fans hope this week was merely an outlier in an otherwise promising career.
The narratives unfolding this NFL season provide a rich tapestry of athletic prowess and the inherent unpredictability of sport. As Brandon Aubrey continues to dazzle with his long-range precision, Justin Tucker, Jake Elliott, and Evan McPherson remind us that even the best can falter. These dramatic reversals make professional football a thrilling spectacle — a game that hinges on individual moments of brilliance and unexpected twists. Every kick carries weight, every miss matters, and every game tells a part of the larger story that keeps fans captivated week after week.