[jwplayer tQc9MZYK-ThvAeFxT]
The Tennessee Titans saw the same problem from last year rear its ugly head in the Week 1 contest against the Denver Broncos, as kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed three field goals (one was blocked) and an extra point.
Normally you don’t want to get crazy after just one game, but the Titans are coming off a season in which they had the worst field goal unit in the NFL, so immediately panicking is a perfectly justifiable reaction.
Thankfully, when the Titans needed a clutch kick to win the game late in regulation, Gostkowski was able to deliver.
The 36-year-old was just happy to get the opportunity to redeem himself, but was disappointed in his performance nonetheless, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“It’s definitely an opportunity I didn’t deserve, but grateful I got it for the team,” Gostkowski said. “The guys that went out there and busted their butt, I really put them in a tough spot – you don’t always get that lucky to get a chance to redeem yourself. I am just happy the guys got to celebrate.
“I am disappointed in myself, and embarrassed and frustrated. But at the end of the day we won, and luckily guys are happy going home.”
Gostkowski also joked that he “would have taken my pants off to make that last kick to try something different” in response to a question about removing his sock during the game.
As you’d expect, head coach Mike Vrabel isn’t ready to give up on his kicker and former teammate just yet.
Vrabel said he remained confident in Gostkowski. Praised his players for sticking together @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 15, 2020
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill echoed that sentiment.
Ryan Tannehill: “I still had confidence in Stephen. Regardless of what happened before, the guy has made a ton of kicks in his career.” #Titans
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) September 15, 2020
Clearly the Titans are going to give Gostkowski more opportunities to get himself straightened out, especially with his track record and given the fact that he wasn’t the only one apparently shaking off rust.
However, he was brought in to stabilize Tennessee’s kicking game, and so far he has failed miserably at that.
[lawrence-related id=44849,44819,44820]