Steven Hauschka

[PryorFamily]

I know it's not being talked about too much as the season gets under way but I'm impressed by Hauschka's growth this year in the preseason. Think about the fact that he was 1-4 over 50 yards last season and went 3-3 against Oakland over 50 yards! That's a big difference in power and accuracy. He looks really confident and with how many close games we had last year, an extra 3 here and there could be huge! Just sayin.......givin the kicker some love!

 

[FlyingGreg]

We are only going to need him for extra points, but yeah...he showed some leg.

 

[SNDavidson]

SH4

 

[Passepartout]

Hopefully that big leg will help him out in the regular season and grow a lot more confidence!

 

[MizzouHawkGal]

If what he showed in preseason is real it's a total game changer. Show me, as we say in Missouri. You do so? We are a lock to win February 2nd.

Bonus for me is never having to listen to 65TT. (That would be Hank Stram and his 65 toss trap bullshite). It took me 7 years to figure out that logo. 7 years! Now it's on my hate list.

 

[TwilightError]

Hauschka was in top 5 of the brightest preseason surprises.

 

[sutz]

He didn't get a lot of love around here a couple of months ago, but hey, even a kicker can learn and grow.

 

[MizzouHawkGal]

I seriously can't wrap my head around the fact that he's actually becoming a full on, possibly elite FG kicker. None of my friends buy it and think I am insane (not shocking). They still believe Atlanta will own us because of Tony G.

 

[RolandDeschain]

It should teach us all a lesson about assuming Papa Pete was avoiding long field goals because of the kicker last year.

 

[CaptainSkybeard]

He stopped skipping leg day at the gym.

 

[Kixkahn]

Considering that nearly made 61 yarder, I am excited for the guy.

 

[HawkFan72]

His leg did seem noticeably stronger. Even on kickoffs.

 

[FlyingGreg]

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/09/0 ... of-it.html

 

[therealjohncarlson]

It should teach us all a lesson about assuming Papa Pete was avoiding long field goals because of the kicker last year.

He was what? 2/5 on 50+ field goals last year? I think its safe to say based on his preseason performance there was significant improvement over the offseason

 

[PryorFamily]

He was 1 - 4 last year over 50 yards. I also noticed on kickoffs he is consistently kicking deep through the end zone and in an interview I saw he mentioned getting touch backs was a huge goal for him. He obviously put in work this off season. His leg looks a lot stronger! That 61 yarder that hit the cross bar was impressive. Then the Oakland game solidified that he could be an elite kicker this year. 3-6 points a game more this year or at least having that option from 50+ could be huge for us when you look at the quality of our schedule and how many games could come down to a field goal. We always talk about the offense and defense on this team but our special teams is right there. I love how few weakness this team has over all. Sure there are injuries and such. But there isn't a phase of the game that we are going to be beaten at on paper. Love it! Now it's time to PROVE IT!!!!

 

[rideaducati]

He also won a bet on an extra point when he hit the left upright...or so I hear.

 

[BigMeach]

I feel like he was a steal in the last round of one of my fantasy drafts

 

[LawlessHawk]

His leg did seem noticeably stronger. Even on kickoffs.

Word is he's been injecting his leg with powdered Mule hoof.

 

[therealjohncarlson]

I feel like he was a steal in the last round of one of my fantasy drafts

I would personally hate to draft him. Creates a conflict of interests where you might secretly wish for us to kick a field goal when scoring a touchdown is obviously much better

 

[pmedic920]

We are only going to need him for extra points, but yeah...he showed some leg.

We play a couple of teams with dangerous kick returners. IMHO We will also need him to kick it "out the back" I have said it before, about kick return specialist. " they can't hurt us if they ain't got the ball"