Let’s face it, no rookie kicker has ever gotten off to as great a start to their NFL career as Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York.
That game-winning 58-yard field goal was dazzling, and it concluded a perfect day of converting four field goals and two extra points.
Since then, York has not been quite as fantastic, but he is still good.
Should the Browns be worried about him?
The answer is no, and here is why.
1. His Stats Are Not Bad
He is 22 out of 30 in field goals and 29 out of 31 in extra points.
Those are not bad stats, but there is room for improvement.
He knows that he needs to get better so there is no reason to assume he will not improve.
2. Distance And Nerves Do Not Seem To Be Issues
York does not seem intimidated by long-distance field goals.
He also does not appear nervous.
These are positive attributes for a franchise kicker.
3. Coaching Should Fix Things
Experience and solid coaching should fix the technique tweaks that York needs to do to become more accurate.
Kicking in the weather at FirstEnergy Stadium is also an area he needs to improve.
He should call Phil Dawson for more assistance during the offseason.
Conclusion: Nobody Is Perfect
Even Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, widely considered the G.O.A.T. of all kickers, has gone through rough patches in his career.
During the 2015 season, he missed seven field goals, and he has missed five so far in 2022, two of those were on Saturday against the Browns.
Assuming that York gets the proper coaching in the offseason, he will show significant improvements in 2023.
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