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New England Patriots: Why team will miss Stephen Gostkowski

By Sam Minton

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots reacts as he kicks a successful field goal during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots reacts as he kicks a successful field goal during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Stephen Gostkowski may have struggled so far this season, but the New England Patriots will miss him now that he is on Injured Reserve.

The fact that the only problem that the New England Patriots have so far is their kicker is a testament to how good they have been. Lots of teams would be begging for this problem compared to struggling offense’s or defense’s failing to stop opponents.

Still, Stephen Gostkowski has been playing horribly. The kicker has been missing easy kicks and it seemed like something was wrong.

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The reason there was so much worry is because it wasn’t like Gostkowski was missing difficult kicks. In the team’s first 4 games he missed 4 extra points and a field goal.

Some blamed rookie punter Jake Bailey who was holding for Gostkowski for the first time. There was an instance in the preseason where Bailey messed up and had the laces facing Gostkowski. Some thought that was just Gostkowski getting old.

Well, it appears that Gostkowski was playing through pain. The kicker was sent to the IR due to a hip injury and he will miss the rest of the season.

In a weird way, this news is actually good. At least we know that it wasn’t Gostkowski playing poorly. The veteran kicker was just trying to fight through injury.

But now the Patriots need to find a kicker and that is where problems arise. The kicking pool is God awful. No matter what the team will be taking a giant step back. If you thought that Gostkowski was bad just wait.

Right now the front runners are Mike Nugent and Kai Forbath. If you thought Gostkowski was old Nugent will seem ancient. Also, Nugent hasn’t played since 2017 which makes it seem like his best days are behind him.

Forbath is an intriguing option since he is only 32 years old and has played more recently. But I don’t know how well he will perform with the pressure of the New England Patriots on his shoulders.

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So this Stephen Gostkowski injury might seem like a blessing in disguise to some but I think it could cause a lot of harm to New England’s season.

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