Random thoughts on Crosby/kickers.

[Patler]

It was mentioned last night how accurate Robbie Gould is. Set the Bears record last year at 89.6% (26/29). So I looked more closely at him and Crosby:

It was mentioned that, Gould had no attempts from 50 or beyond last year. I checked his career stats. In 5 seasons and 130 attempts, he has just TWO attempts at 50 or more (one in every 65 attempts). In his first two seasons, Crosby had 11 of his 73 attempts from 50 or more. Better than 1 of every 7 times he tried a field goal, it was from 50 or more yards. From 49 and closer, Crosby was 24/28 in 2008, for 85.71%. Even his miss last night was from about 49 yards, two feet, six inches if you look at where the ball was placed, and he hit from 52 and 39.

Gould is kicking with a 12 year vet as his snapper, and a 12 year vet as his holder. He has had both for his entire career. Maynard has been a holder for his entire NFL career, the last 9 with the Bears. Mannelly has been the Bears snapper for 12 years, so this is the 9th season he and Maynard have worked together.

Crosby has had a succession of different snappers and holders in two seasons and three preseasons.

I'll take Crosby, just for the opportunity of trying a 65 yarder!

[mraynrand]

good post. The Bears can keep Mannelly - he is more helpful to the Packers on their squad. Crosby is a talnted kicker and McCarthy may be using him more often from longer distances because of he has more confidence in his leg. Wasn't it a 69 yard free kick attempt against Det. in the Jan cold that he just missed? Too bad, that would have made up a little for an extremely frustrating December.

[Bossman641]

Great research as usual Patler.

Crosby could be a little better, but as you showed his results are skewed by the number of long kicks he has attempted. He's solid.

[BlueBrewer]

Was it just me or did Crosby almost make it through the uprights on a kickoff last night?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Was it just me or did Crosby almost make it through the uprights on a kickoff last night?

I thought he made it, but that was after a 15 yard penalty.

Crosby is solid (with the potential to be great). I also like having a guy that I know will put most kickoffs to the goalline or beyond--even at Lambeau.

[BlueBrewer]

Was it just me or did Crosby almost make it through the uprights on a kickoff last night?

I thought he made it, but that was after a 15 yard penalty.

Crosby is solid (with the potential to be great). I also like having a guy that I know will put most kickoffs to the goalline or beyond--even at Lambeau.

that makes more sense now, damn I thought he just got pumped huge for a second.

I used to love watching Hall kickoff through the uprights at Camp Randall.

[red]

the team didn't do crosby too many favors last years

there were a few times when the team almost looked like 50-55 yards was close enough and would hardly try to get any closer

they would just trot crosby out there and let him take all the blame when he misses a 55 yarder to win the game.

i felt bad for the guy

[Pugger]

I'll chalk up that first FG miss to nerves but he came thru later during the game. And it is nice to have kicker that can have better kickoffs than Shortwell's.

[sheepshead]

I have no problems with Mason Crosby. I think our kicking game is as solid as it gets in the NFL.

[Tony Oday]

I still do not feel like it is automatic when it is a 40 yarder with Crosby. I would like an upgrade over him because last night he should have made the 49 yarder then we wouldn't have needed the last minute drive to win. It might not even be him, if it is the snapper and the holder then lets PICK two guys and stick with them.

[gbgary]

last year the Pack was playing from behind most of the time. he's got a big leg and they needed the points from where ever they could get them. 50 yards and further...get used to it. i'll take an occasional miss from him in trade for the range he's got.

[Patler]

I still do not feel like it is automatic when it is a 40 yarder with Crosby. I would like an upgrade over him because last night he should have made the 49 yarder then we wouldn't have needed the last minute drive to win. It might not even be him, if it is the snapper and the holder then lets PICK two guys and stick with them.

Do you really think a 49 yard field goal should be "automatic"?

[Tony Oday]

I still do not feel like it is automatic when it is a 40 yarder with Crosby. I would like an upgrade over him because last night he should have made the 49 yarder then we wouldn't have needed the last minute drive to win. It might not even be him, if it is the snapper and the holder then lets PICK two guys and stick with them.

Do you really think a 49 yard field goal should be "automatic"?

I said 40 yarder not almost 50.

[Patler]

I still do not feel like it is automatic when it is a 40 yarder with Crosby. I would like an upgrade over him because last night he should have made the 49 yarder then we wouldn't have needed the last minute drive to win. It might not even be him, if it is the snapper and the holder then lets PICK two guys and stick with them.

Do you really think a 49 yard field goal should be "automatic"?

I said 40 yarder not almost 50.

Then why are you so down on him, or the group, for missing the 49 yarder?

[Tony Oday]

I still do not feel like it is automatic when it is a 40 yarder with Crosby. I would like an upgrade over him because last night he should have made the 49 yarder then we wouldn't have needed the last minute drive to win. It might not even be him, if it is the snapper and the holder then lets PICK two guys and stick with them.

Do you really think a 49 yard field goal should be "automatic"?

I said 40 yarder not almost 50.

Then why are you so down on him, or the group, for missing the 49 yarder?

I am not down on him really last night, do I think that he should hit the 49 yarder at least 85% of the time? Yes I do, but I just do not feel like I did with Schlonwell and Jacke when the 40 yard field goal went up it was a gimme. Not saying they were more accurate because I haven't looked at the stats however I just am not confident in Crosby.