After bringing the Chargers stability at the kicker position, Michael Badgley was given the nickname “Money Badger.”
But this season, Badgley has failed to live up to the name.
After missing what would have been the game-winning on Monday night against the Saints in Week 5, Badgley followed that up with a missed extra point and 48-yard attempt on Sunday against the Jaguars.
While he did make two 35-yard field goals yesterday, his inconsistency is starting to become an issue. Badgley is 9-of-13 this season on field goals, which equals the number he missed the previous two years combined. Including extra points, he’s missed six kicks.
Despite the concerns with Badgley’s kicking, coach Anthony Lynn has complete confidence in him that he can get it together and does not plan on bringing in kickers for a tryout.
“Michael’s never been in a stretch like this that I can remember,” Lynn said. “He’s going to have to dig deep. He’s going to have to come out of it. But I have all the confidence in the world in Mike.”
Special teams hasn’t been a strong asset for Los Angeles, as the team ranks 32nd in special-teams DVOA this season. Badgley’s kicking factors into it as well as other areas like return coverage.