Making the case for and against Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski

The Gostkowski Experiment Begins

How did Tennessee Titans fans go from ecstatic to embarrassed about new kicker Stephen Gostkowski?

A couple of weeks ago, the Tennessee Titans found themselves in a tailspin at the kicker position. They released fan hopeful Greg Joseph and brought in veteran kicker Stephen Gostkowski in a move that was hoped to provide some much-needed stability and consistency at one of the most critical positions.

In 2019, the Titans were downright awful when it comes to kicking field goals; only connecting on 8-18 attempts. They also had a revolving door at the position, which if we’re being honest, is a receipt for disaster at really any position let alone one of the most stressful.

Unfortunately for the Titans, the kicking woes from 2019 followed them right into 2020 with Gostkowski missing every FG attempt (and a PAT) up until the final seconds when he drilled the game-winner against the Broncos.

Technically one of the field goals was blocked, but you get what I am trying to say. The question Titans fans are asking themselves as we try to make it through the workday on a little sleep and a lot of caffeine, is should we be panicking about the current kicker situation?

With that said, let’s make a case FOR and AGAINST the Titans kicker in order to figure out whether or not it’s premature to want to show Gostkowski the door…

The Case for Keeping Gostkowski

As I mentioned above, the Titans only just signed the veteran kicker only two weeks ago. In addition to only having a couple of weeks to practice, he’s coming off of a hip injury that required season-ending surgery a year ago. There is going to be rust – probably even more than we realize.

During pregame warm-ups, Jim Wyatt reported that Gostkowski was making 50+ yard attempts with ease. While these kicks are easier to make in the thin air at Mile High, it’s still noteworthy that leg strength isn’t an issue for the Titans kicker – it never really has been.

Gostkowski is a solid kicker – I’m still a firm believer in that, but I do think that a mixture of rust and mounting pressure to be the teams savior at the kicker position undoubtedly got to him. What all of that said, when the pressure was at an all-time high, he still hit the one that mattered most – the game-winner. Could that be the confidence boost he needs to get back on track? Only time will tell, but it’s a good way to get things going in the right direction after spotting the Broncos defense 10-points and almost single-handedly costing the Titans the game.

The case against keeping Stephen Gostkowski

Gostkowski was bad. Like, Cairo Santos against the Bills bad. He opened the game with a 47-yard attempt and hooked it right just a tad. OK, fine…it’s just one kick, right?

Wrong.

Gostkowski went on to miss 3 out of 4 attempts, and also missed a PAT which resulted in the Broncos taking an eventual 1-point lead over the Titans.

More from Titan Sized

• Tennessee Titans suspiciously quiet about major draft need
• Tennessee Titans agree to new deal with star Jeffery Simmons
• Caesars Promo Code Expires Soon – Claim $1,250 Today
• 3 needs that are being overblown by Tennessee Titans fans
• Tennessee Titans have potential dilemmas in 2023 NFL Draft

This team can not afford to leave double-digit points out on the field like they did in 2019 and expect to win consistently. Playoff caliber teams can (and will) put the game on their kickers shoulders – are the Titans in a position to rely on theirs? Hell no, not after last night.

In 2019, the Titans had all the opportunity in the world to be better than a perennial 9-7 team, but the revolving door at kicker cost them at least 2 games. They can’t allow this to happen again, and while they may have pulled out a slim victory against the Broncos, there’s a lot left to figure out.

Finally, Mike Vrabel and Jon Robinson are all about production – they preach it like a Pastor on Sunday morning preaches the Gospel.

So, how does that bode for Gostkowski? Again, only time will tell, but if the team really wanted to send a message he’d be shown the door – regardless of his past accolades. That’s not what I think will happen, but it would send a message nonetheless.

My take on Gostkowski

In my opinion, the team will stick with Gostkowski. I think having not played for a year, and only practicing a handful of times will be weighed heavily in the decision.

I think Vrabel will chalk it up to nerves and an unbelievable amount of rust while taking into consideration that Gostkowski still has the ability to persevere despite adversity which was demonstrated by his game-winning field goal.

Question is, will that be enough of a reason for Jon Robinson to keep him around if anything like this happens again down the road?

If the Titans do decide to move on, then Robinson and the rest of the front office will have to ask themselves the even bigger question: who currently available is any better or more consistent than Gostkowski – I get the sense they’d like to avoid the revolving door in 2020 with a real shot at the AFC South crown.

With no clear answer in sight, I think things would have to be consistently below-average here for a move to be made. Let’s just hope that Gostkowski’s game-winner has gotten rid of his jitters and he can play a game at home and thrive in his native Tennessee.