Patriots gridiron news: Stephen Gostkowski ‘ticked off’ about missed field goals

New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski made four field goals in Week 8’s victory over the L.A. Chargers, but it’s the two he missed that made it a game.

It shouldn’t of even came down to Stephen Gostkowski attempting six field goals in the New England Patriots 21-13 win over the Chargers at Gillette Stadium Sunday, but the veteran kicker was given the chances and didn’t’ completely come through.

While the Patriots’ offense struggles in the red zone to score touchdowns is another issue, Gostkowski’s two missed field goals served as reminders to his struggles last season and the beginning of this season.

It’s one thing if they were attempts over 50 yards in inclement weather, it’s another thing when they are of a makeable distance with not as much effect from the wind or rain as expected.  So, both of Gostkowski’s 43-yard missed field goals were just a matter of concentration according to the man himself.

"“I aimed right down the middle on that one and it got pushed a little bit,” Gostkowski said of the second field goal he missed in the fourth quarter.  “The first one that I missed to the left, I didn’t get good rotation.  The second one I thought I hit pretty good and sometimes that happens.  The first one was definitely tough and not my best kick.  I thought the second one I missed, I put a good swing on it.  I maybe kicked it too hard into the wind.”"

The New England Patriots all-time leading scorer also admitted he may have put too much spin on the ball. Nonetheless, they are misses he typically makes.  In an otherwise solid season in which he entered the game connecting on 16 of 17 field goal attempts, the two misses on Sunday will not sit well with Goskowski as the team enters their bye week.

"“I get ticked off and mad just like anybody else,” the kicker said.  “I don’t look at it like a ‘Debbie Downer’, it’s just part of the game.  It stinks and I get mad.  It’s going to bother me for a week, probably two weeks, but that’s just part of the game.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

If the team turned more drives into touchdowns, Stephen Gostkowski’s missed field goals wouldn’t have been such a huge deal.  Both misses allowed Phillip Rivers and the Chargers to stay within striking distance, including a final drive that would’ve allowed L.A. an opportunity to tie the game with a touchdown and attempted 2-point conversion.

Chris Hogan update 

The New England Patriots suffered another blow during Sunday’s victory over the Chargers.

Wide receiver Chris Hogan suffered a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter that knocked him out of the game.  The veteran receiver, who has become known for his toughness, was taken directly to the locker room after sitting on the bench a few minutes following the hit he took during the game.

Hogan was later seen leaving the stadium with his right arm in a sling.  As ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported after the game, he will have an MRI Monday to determine the extent of the injury.  There is optimism that it is not bad, but any missed time by Chris Hogan will leave the receiver group very thin.

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Let’s hope the bye week allows him the proper time to heal.