San Diego found itself in a kicking conundrum just moment into the 2011 regular season. Kicker Nate Kaeding went down on the opening kickoff. San Diego finished the game using punter Mike Scifres as the place kicker. With Kaeding out for the season, San Diego signed Nick Navak to handle the kicking duties. Novak handled himself well (with the exception of urinating on the sidelines). Going into next season, expect Smith to keep both kickers around. Kaeding has an established record, and unless it is the post-season, is spot on. If he rehabs from his injury in time, he and Novak will duke it out through training camp to determine who gets the job.I have to say that the idea of a competition brewing this early (even if it is just between kickers) is something to keep an eye on. It makes perfect sense to hang on to both of them for as long as possible.Competition may very well push both to become even better kickers, and that is never a bad thing. Either way, San Diego will have a good kicker suiting up for them on opening day.
No comments:
Post a Comment