Steelers First to Worst In Field Goal Percentage in Four Years

by Neal Coolong on Dec 22, 2011 4:40 PM EST

San Francisco weaponized P Andy Lee in San Francisco's 20-3 win in Week 15.

He took field position back from the Steelers with the force of a falling feather. Dropping multiple punts deep in Steelers territory, he individually hampered the Steelers offense almost as much as OLB Aldon Smith's three sacks did.

K David Akers was as solid as any other, drilling two kicks to keep the pressure on the visiting Steelers.

If the kickers of the 49ers are Mike Tirico, the Steelers' are John Sutcliffe.

Special teams, especially the individuals kicking the ball, factor in heavily come post-season time. While San Francisco may not have to worry, the Steelers certainly do.

Jason Kapinos, the replacement of Daniel Sepulveda for the second consecutive year, is in the bottom third of the league in net average. Taking the net average is more an accurate depiction of a punter's overall success, being that a fair catch is a desirable outcome.

The more glaring problem is with K Shaun Suisham. Or, more specifically, his problem with field goals of 40 yards or more.

His 52-yard field goal against San Francisco would have been good from 52.5 yards, and the surprise of that successful kick was quickly drowned out when he missed a 48-yarder later in the game. He currently ranks last in the NFL with a 73.1 percentage.

It's the longer ones that make or break a kicker's career. Missing 40+ yard field goals has been an alarming trend for Suisham - and the Steelers recently.

Dating back to the 2010 playoffs, Suisham is 6-for-13 (46.1 percent) from 40 yards or longer. Both of Suisham's misses in the post-season - one from 43 yards against Baltimore and from 52 against Green Bay in the Super Bowl - were in close games.

Of the last 10 Super Bowl champions, none have missed more than one field goal of 40+ yards in the playoffs.

Suisham made Steelers fans forget ousted K Jeff Reed, who was abysmal in his nine final games in Pittsburgh (68.2 percent). He hit 14-of-15 in the final seven regular season games, including 8-of-9 from 40+ yards.

He had to work to get the team's field goal percentage up to 78.4 percent, good for 25th in the league. The bottom fell out though, and the Steelers have fallen from 92 percent in 2007, best in the league in Tomlin's first season, to last by Week 14 of 2011.

There aren't any reports swirling about the Steelers auditioning new kickers. Salary cap space largely limits any potential transactions, but with Suisham's recent streak of inaccuracy, the Steelers may have to loosen up the restrictions on going for it in 4th-and-short situations inside the opponents' 33 to 23 yard lines.

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Nice writeup, I was just talking with my friend about this same issue during the game. It’s gotten so bad that it’s more surprising when we elect to let Suisham kick a 50+ yarder than just going for it the way they do in college, and that’s simply unacceptable for an NFL team.

As you say it would be tough to sign any new kickers due to salary cap issues, but this should definitely be a priority when it comes to the draft next year. Obviously we shouldn’t be using a 1st-rounder on a kicker, as we have other, more pressing, needs than this. But if we can get a top-notch college kicker in the later rounds I think it would be worth the investment rather than just signing free agent Kickers in the offseason and hoping they pan out.

by Akshay R on Dec 22, 2011 4:47 PM EST reply actions

Our kicking situation may have cost us the season

Sorry for being dramatic here, especially talking about a team that clinched a playoff spot. I am not being fair. But all I can see in my head is the Steelers with a four-point lead, and the ball, with time running out, at the Baltimore 30-yard line in a third-down situation. If we had just about any other kicker in the NFL, we run it up the middle for a couple yards or so and kick a field goal that stretches the margin to seven, we assure overtime at worst. Without any faith in that field-goal situation, we try to pass for the first down, fail, and then punt the ball. Yes, the punt was a good one to the eight-yard line, but we still only have that four-point lead. Ninety-two yards later the game was over, tiebreaker lost and probably one-seed lost.

The week before the Steelers completely controlled the New England Patriots. With a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter the offense drove to New England’s 26. A field-goal would deliver a mortal blow, but it was missed. With re-newed hope, Brady marches for a score and now the Patriots were one score from winning. This blown field goal probably caused the Steelers to have no faith a week later.

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Dec 22, 2011 5:02 PM EST reply actions

agreed

Suisham has done enough but the steelers definately need someone they can rely on. I too cringe when Suisham attempts a Fg and often they are missed with a chance to pad the score, returning possession to the other team and upping my intake of tums.

I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.

by steeltech on Dec 22, 2011 5:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Disagree

Ninety-two yards later the game was over

I don’t see how that gets pinned on the kicker.

we try to pass for the first down, fail, and then punt the ball

Taking no time off of the clock! We are a pass first team, fine, but you have to be able to run the ball, when you need the clock to keep ticking. I won’t nickle and dime you about the pass defense, during those 92 yards. But I do think it’s fair to say that, that is beyond our kickers reach.

"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.

by alfresco on Dec 22, 2011 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

faith

in your kicker allows you to try to get a couple more yards keeping the clock running until you kick the FG, because there is no faith in our kicker the only option was to pass to try and get the 1st. So if the kicker is reliable then the lead becomes 7 point instead of 4 and you have taken more time off the clock, or at least made the Ravens waste a timeout. You have also made a win by TD impossible, a tie is the best the Ravens could have hoped for.

So in essence the lack of faith in the kicker limits the choices and makes it harder on everyone.

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 22, 2011 7:07 PM EST up reply actions

Yes

I understand the point that he’s making, but don’t agree with it. Putting that game, and our season on the kicker, is wrong. Our offensive stalled at times, the defense failed at times, Suisham had nothing to do with that. No, we lost this game as a team.

The Ravens beat the Steelers twice this year. Give the Ravens the credit they deserve for that. Don’t blame it on the kicker.

"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.

by alfresco on Dec 23, 2011 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

It’s right. The Ravens have at least half the chance they did without a kick there. You’re talking about 30+ seconds being run off the clock in addition to 3 more points. If I remember right, there were 8 seconds left when Torrey whooped us

by klompus on Dec 23, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

yep

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 23, 2011 7:45 PM EST up reply actions

When I believe the Steelers season revolves around our kicker…it will be a sad day.

"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.

by alfresco on Dec 24, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

couldn't agree more with the impact of poor kicking

And the stats point to his own lack of self confidence as much as the team’s lack of confidence in him. We won’t win <3 point games with him. He is also not kicking deep into the end zone on kickoffs like nearly every other kicker. I think in the 9er game one only reached the 4 yard line for Pete’s sake. Wow.

As I jested in a post last night, I would think any kicker under the age of 50 that’s been retired less than 3 years but had confidence could dress tomorrow and push it through the uprights better than sushi. Overstated? of course, but man we need some improvement here ASAP.

"We're in hell right now gentlemen...believe me...and we can stay here and get the (s) kicked out of us or we can fight our way back...into the light, we can climb out of hell, one inch at a time." - Al Pacino, Any Given Sunday

by VA6BurghFan on Dec 22, 2011 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

Been thinking about this alot...

and I had just forgotten he makes me on game day. Makes my stomach ache thinking about it some more. Thanks alot.

"I've been trying to justify you, in the end i will just defy you" Dream Theater

by OhioYinzer on Dec 22, 2011 5:26 PM EST reply actions

How...

forgotten how he makes me feel on game day. Yeesh.

"I've been trying to justify you, in the end i will just defy you" Dream Theater

by OhioYinzer on Dec 22, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

Figures lie and liars figure....

Not defending Sushi, but it’s intellectually dishonest to statistically compare kicking in a dome for half your games with kicking at Heinz Field or Lambeau Field or any of the other open air cold weather stadiums.

Suisham has been a huge upgrade on kickoff and kickoff coverage over Matador Skippy
Reed. He actually tracks people down and tackles them. That’s a big reason we got him.

He’s good on short range stuff, but – as you point out – inaccurate from beyond 40. Like Jerry “The Iceman” Butler used to sing, “He Will Break Your Heart.”

My suggestion is that one of the scouts check out some of the “Footy” guys. They kick the hell out of the ball and tackle without pads. I’m sure there’s someone in Aussie Rules Football who can punt better than Kapinos, and probably numerous guys who can placekick farther and more accurately than Sushi.

Darren Bennett was a Footy guy who was a beast for San Diego. And Sav Rocca is no slouch. And most of these guys could drink Skippy under the table, or even under the towel dispenser. Party on, mate.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Dec 22, 2011 5:35 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I never thought about that, but thats a great point

Good idea!

by troy43polamalu on Dec 23, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions

screw tackling. i’ll take a kicker thats money from 40+. if as a kicker your best attribute is tackling, you should have been cut last season.

by klompus on Dec 23, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

You must be new around here, klompus.....

….if you don’t remember that ST coverage cost us something like seven touchdowns a couple of years ago, and doomed the entire season.

Of course we all want a kicker that’s money from 40+. But it’s imperative that the kicker is also a football player who can run and tackle. Skippy’s Matador Act must never be repeated.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Dec 23, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

love the john sutcliffe reference

nobody espn trots out anymore surprises me. i’m waiting for them to give a panda a show

Follow me on twitter.

by Dr. Spaceman on Dec 22, 2011 7:01 PM EST reply actions

Who the hell is that guy Sutcliffe.....

I saw him on the sideline Monday night and thought he was a refugee from some damned Fox International Soccer cable program.

Before the guy even opened his mouth, I thought he was going to explain why the Bundesliga plays a more physical brand of soccer than the English Premier League, or some shit like that.
And I expected them a flash a “resume” chyron.

Once he did open his mouth, I found myself wishing they’d replace him with a female sideline reporter. Even Michelle Bachman, Sarah Palin, or hometown fave Nancy Pelosi.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Dec 23, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

Was waiting for this type of post

As Maryrose states above we cannot pin exactly how many games have been closer or we lost because of Suish but…..

Many times I see where our lack of confidence in him affects the game. The Balt scenario above. Going for it when we maybe shouldn’t. Worse yet, the many punts from the 33 yard line that go into the end zone and we net 13 yards.

by Majabe on Dec 22, 2011 8:08 PM EST reply actions

What 2012 draft prospects look good for kickers?

by StinkBomb on Dec 22, 2011 9:08 PM EST reply actions

Finding a consistently accurate placekicker isn't easy.

But historically the Steelers have been pretty good at this aspect (e.g. Gerela, Anderson, Reed). and considering the way our offense frequently stalls in or near the RZ, the Steelers probably need a top kicker a lot more than some other NFL contenders. Maybe we need to bite the bullet and draft one in 2012.

by Billy52 on Dec 22, 2011 10:37 PM EST reply actions

Please!!! Gerela???

Gerela was the worst…..he missed almost as many extra points in playoff games as Gary Anderson did over a long career. Check his stats, particularly playoff stats and he was never a kicker that the Steelers could count on. Fortuately, they weren’t often in the position that they needed to.

Good article, MR….I have zero confidence that Suisham comes through when needed. He could…but then again, it’s a risky proposition, and as you’ve pointed out….coaching staff’s lack of confidence in him sometimes is illustrated by their NOT sending him on the field

by swissvale72 on Dec 23, 2011 6:53 AM EST reply actions

Gotta agree about Gerela

How he lasted in the NFL as long as he did was beyond me. His fg percentage was 60% for his career.

by Bradhaw's index finger on Dec 23, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

Gerela and Sushi: both Canadian kids who lacked consistency, but could tackle...

…(Roy was a DB at New Mexico State or somewhere). I think that’s why Noll liked him.

Neither one inspired any confidence. Gerela’s FG and PAT percentages were poor by 70’s standards and woeful by today’s. The Steel Curtain Dynasty was a team that had everything. Everything but a placekicker.

The highlight of his career was missing a kick in a Super Bowl and getting a tap on the helmet from Cliff Waters. If I recall, Jack Lambert didn’t like that. Didn’t like it one bit. In fact, of all the Steeler misses in history, that’s the one I never get tired of watching.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Dec 23, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

the last

sentence gives me a case of the smiles.

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 23, 2011 7:47 PM EST up reply actions

Kapinos...

Two things; first, a quick correction… it’s Jeremy Kapinos, not Jason Kapinos. A small thing but goes a long way to enhance the credibility of the article.

Second, I don’t know that it’s entirely fair to evaluate a punter’s effectiveness by looking only at his net punt average. Kapinos is called upon to try and pin opponents inside the 20 than many other punters are precisely because of the kicking game’s ineffectiveness. The Steelers aren’t going to attempt very many 50 yard field goals and a 35 yard punt in that situation, while highly effective for the team, will not show up well in the net punt average statistic. For a guy who was picked up off the street mid season (again!), Kapinos has done fine in the punting role.

by Iamroosh on Dec 23, 2011 6:56 PM EST reply actions