Stephen Hauschka’s better start
Who doesn’t love a good kicking battle? What the Bills absolutely have is one of the more watched ones in the NFL. Stephen Hauschka hasn’t been bad in his Bills career, he’s just been suspect from over 50 yards since he was injured in 2018. Entering into that equation via the recent NFL Draft was Tyler Bass. Kickers, and even successful ones such as Hauschka, often go undrafted and work their way onto rosters. Bass was one of the few that was actually selected at the draft by the Bills via a sixth-round pick.
So far in this head-to-head battle, it looks like Hauschka has the edge… kind of. Multiple reports on Monday said only Bass kicked that practice and was 6-for-9 kicking. Hauschka was then the only one to boot the ball on Day 2, but was 6-for-7. But the important note here comes via WGR-550 radio’s report. Hauschka’s miss? Evidently from 50-plus yards. If Hauschka regains his confidence from distance, there’s no reason he can’t beat out Bass to retain his job. He’s excellent from inside 50, but McDermott does not hold back when considering kicks from the 50-yard range so the veteran needs to get better there if he’s going to have any hope.