For NFL Kickers, 90 percent of the game is mental.
Nowhere is this more telling than this insane stat:
NFL kickers are 44/45 on Field Goals from 32-33 yards this year, but have missed an astounding 48 extra points from that same distance.
— Mark Dominik (@MarkdominikNFL) November 21, 2016
With the new rule pushing extra point attempts back to the 15 yard line — making them a 33-yard attempt rather than the old 20-yard attempt — kickers are missing them at an alarming rate.
A phase of the game most fans take for granted, extra points can completely change the momentum of the game, and a good kicker is a commodity it seems. While most expect a chip shot at that distance, kickers are obviously starting to overthink simple things, leading to some astounding numbers from this season.
Even if it gives fans, players and coaches a bit of added stress, you can’t say the extended PAT attempts don’t make for a more interesting game.
Hopefully, NFL kickers can get back on the right track as the season wears on. Regardless, this is definitely something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.