Being a kicker in the NFL is a thankless job. When you’re doing well, nobody gives you much credit or attention, and when you’re struggling, everyone instantly wants you to be fired.
That’s likely how Washington’s Dustin Hopkins is feeling right about now, with fans calling for his head after missing yet another field goal on Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Lions, one that played a large outcome in determining the winner of the game.
On Monday, when coach Ron Rivera talked with media members, he admitted that they are discussing Hopkins’ future with the team, and open to possibly bringing in some competition for him in the near future.
Rivera was asked about Dustin Hopkins' future and if there's a possibility he could be replaced.
"Something we're discussing," Rivera said.
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 16, 2020
So far this season, Hopkins is 16-for-17 on PAT’s, but just 12-for-17 on field goals, with an abysmal 60-percent success rate from 40-49 yards. On Sunday, Hopkins missed a 43-yarder in the second quarter that would have made it a 14-6 game. Washington later lost the game after Detroit’s Matt Prater nailed a 59-yarder as time expired to pull ahead and win the game.
So will some increased competition help elevate the level of play for Hopkins? That has to be the hope, or else this may be the end of the road for the veteran in Washington.
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