In a bit of disappointing news, it appears we’re trying out a new kicker, but it is not fan favorite, Money Matt.
Blair Walsh is a former All-Pro with a respectable NFL career, however, there’s a reason he’s not on an NFL roster. His last stint was with the Seattle Seahawks, where he only converted 72% of his kicks. However, besides one ugly incident in the playoffs, Walsh had a good career with the Vikings. They took him in the 6th round for a reason: he hit 85% of his field goals and 95% of his extra points – but that was before they moved the XPs back.
His All-Pro Season in 2012 was his highlight. He went 6-6 on kicks over 50 yards and was 21-21 on extra points. He had a three 50-yard field goal game against the (then) St. Louis Rams. However, his time in Minnesota went sour after he missed a 27-yard field goal in the playoffs against the Seahawks for the win. He did, however, account for all nine of Minnesota’s points until then (they lost 10-9), so it’s a bit unfair to level all the blame on him.
All in all, we could do worse than Walsh, but it really bugs me Matt Bryant isn’t on this roster. He’s been so dependable in a position that’s hard to lock down in the NFL. Super Bowl teams have good kickers. Can Walsh be that guy? Bryant can.