New England Patriots: Is Stephen Gostkowski’s job in trouble?
By Tommy Butler
New England Patriots kicker, Stephen Gostkowski had an off year in 2016.
Recently the New England Patriots brought in a trick-shot kicker to try out. Could this be the end of the Gostkowski Era?
Lets meet Josh Gable.
Gable is a kicker for the Nebraska Danger of the Indoor Football League and he has a BIG leg. If you haven’t seen his trick-kick compilations feel free to check one out here.
Though he’s more famous for his tick-shot videos, Gable has also proven himself in IFL games. Keep in mind, IFL goalposts are eight and a half feet thinner.
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In the video linked above Gable nails an 80 yard field goal. The record long NFL field goal is 64 yards by Matt Prater.
Should Gostkowski start packing?
Short answer? Most likely not.
Stephen Gostkowski did have an off-year last year, missing three extra points and only 84.4% of his field goals but he does have much more experience at the NFL level.
In IFL games Gable has hit 50 yard field goals, just like every kicker in the NFL.
He can hit 80 yarders in practice but we don’t know if he can do that with a line in front of him or if he is consistent. Obviously that’s what the tryout is for.
Needless to say his ability to convert those kicks consistently isn’t likely.
That’s not even mentioning Gostkowski’s big contract. In 2015 Gostkowski signed a four-year, $17.2 million contract keeping him on the Pats until 2019. With those numbers and his career consistency it would be a big surprise to see Gable suiting up for the Pats before then.
Competition to keep Gostkowski honest and trying his best is always welcome though and seeing Gable attempt an 80 yarder in a preseason game would be quite a show.
Gostkowski as well as fans with a No. 3 New England Patriots jersey shouldn’t lose sleep at night.
Next: Boston Celtics: Will the real Marcus Smart please stand up?
If Gable does make the team for preseason however, we’ll need to start working on a nickname since Kickalicious is taken.