Jump to content

Chargers kicker Kaeding still having a rough time


faba

Recommended Posts

Schottenheimer sticking with errant kicker Kaeding

SAN DIEGO - Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer is standing by Nate Kaeding even though the wayward kicker has missed his last four field-goal attempts dating to the playoff loss to the New York Jets.

Advertisment

"I think we can work this out without any difficulty," Schottenheimer said Saturday, when the Chargers practiced for the first time since their 10-7 loss at Green Bay on Thursday night in their exhibition opener.

Kaeding was wide left from 45 yards and then wide right from 44 and 46 in the closing minutes on Thursday.

"He was probably rushing it a little bit; the tempo of it was a little quicker," Schottenheimer said. "But hes in a slump.

"I have every confidence in the world in him. I think he is going to be a terrific kicker in this league because of the way he is: his makeup, his mental makeup, his emotional makeup, hes a very strong-minded person and he knows he has to make them. His biggest frustration is he hasnt been able to nail them."

Schottenheimer said Kaeding isn't in danger of losing his job.

"I dont know that there is anybody that could come in here and give him legitimate competition," Schottenheimer said. "He competes against himself as most people that are involved in a single task. If a guy makes a mistake on offense or defense, there are 10 other people who may have had a hand in that. When you're out there as a placekicker, it's just you, just like a golfer."

On Jan. 8, Kaeding was wide right from 40 yards with 4:19 left in overtime of a wild-card playoff game against the Jets on a wet field at home. Doug Brien kicked a 28-yarder with 5 seconds left to give the Jets a 20-17 win.

"I dont have much of an explanation -- its a tough feeling, Kaeding said. "Its something that I have been living with for five months and Ive set myself up for a difficult course coming up.

"There is no justification for it. I feel bad about it and its something that you sit on and its putting my character to a test.

Green Bay's Ryan Longwell kicked a 53-yarder with 33 seconds remaining in Thursday night's game, which was played in a steady drizzle.

"This isnt San Diego, Longwell said afterward. "This is August with our good weather.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...