Do the Vikings Have a Kicking Problem?
Remember when the Minnesota Vikings drafted Will Reichard, and he was automatic to start the year? That was a lot of fun after multiple years of kickers not putting the ball through the uprights. Then he got hurt.
Do the Vikings Have a Kicking Problem?
The Vikings turned back to John Parker Romo in Reichard’s absence, and he was nothing short of automatic. Sure, he missed an extra point, but the guy who felt spurned during the preseason came in and proved his worth. When Reichard was ready to return, the job would always be his. He has been back for a few games, and the results have been questionable.
Since returning from injured reserve, Reichard has played four games. He is a perfect 15-of-15 on extra points, but he has made just 7-of-10 field goals. In the game prior to hitting injured reserve, he went 0-for-2. Not all misses are the same; plenty of his have been tight. That doesn’t make them any less damaging.
Minnesota needs to believe in their kicker during the postseason. Against the Detroit Lions this week, it remains likely that the game could be tight, and a field goal could produce the winning score. Reichard has proven an ability to make big kicks, but he has also been just slightly off of late.
Kevin O’Connell has delivered a culture that empowers his players and will continue to support his special teams player. Reichard doesn’t need doubt to creep in from within the organization, but he must also remain grounded between his own ears. If the Vikings will feel good about winning any game they play, they must trust their kicker.
It would be awesome to see Reichard boom a long one or go perfect in attempts this weekend. He has already proven to have a big leg. Coming back from a leg injury can be difficult, though, and it will always impact a player whose job depends on strength from that body part.
Don’t expect O’Connell to go Mike Zimmer on the bit and send Reichard packing. Still, though, the Vikings need to see their kicker show up much better in the weeks ahead.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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