Houston Texans Kicker: Kicking Their Way to Success or Failure?

The Houston Texans, established in 2002, have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout their history. As one of the most exciting teams in the NFL, the Texans have had to overcome numerous challenges, including coaching changes, player injuries, and, most notably, inconsistent performances from their kicker. In this article, we will explore the world of the Houston Texans kicker and examine whether they are kicking their way to success or failure.

The kicking game has long been an often-overlooked aspect of football. While quarterbacks and running backs often receive the most attention, kickers are responsible for the largest percentage of points in a team's total score. A strong kicker can make the difference between a close game and a blowout victory, and a struggling kicker can be the difference between a playoff contender and a team on the brink of disaster. The Houston Texans have had their fair share of kickers come and go, but one thing remains constant: their struggles on the kicking game.

A Brief History of the Houston Texans Kicker

Since their inception, the Texans have had 10 different kickers take the field. Some have had short-lived stints, while others have lasted longer. However, no matter who has donned the Texans' black and orange, the kicking game has remained a major area of concern. In the early years, the Texans relied on Billy Cundiff and Kris Brown to handle their kicking duties. While both players had their moments, neither could consistently deliver.

Early Struggles

The Texans' early struggles with their kicker were evident in their inaugural season. Billy Cundiff, a former University of Texas standout, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2002. Despite his collegiate success, Cundiff struggled to find his footing in the NFL. He missed several kicks, including a crucial field goal attempt in a regular-season opener. The Texans eventually replaced Cundiff with Kris Brown, who fared no better. Brown's struggles continued throughout the season, and the Texans finished with a 4-12 record.

The Rise and Fall of Kris Brown

Kris Brown, a highly touted kicker out of the University of Miami, was drafted by the Texans in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Brown's preseason performance was impressive, and he won the starting job heading into the 2006 season. However, Brown's regular-season performance was lackluster. He missed several kicks, including a crucial field goal attempt in a Week 10 game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans eventually replaced Brown with Bryan Barker, who had a much more successful stint as the team's kicker.

The Gruesome Truth About NFL Kickers

The reality of being an NFL kicker is often gruesome. Kicker injuries are common, and the physical toll of the sport can be significant. Many kickers have reported experiencing chronic pain, numbness, and tingling in their legs. The pressure to perform can also take a mental toll, leading to anxiety and depression. The Texans have not been immune to these issues, with kicker Randy Bullock suffering a series of injuries throughout his career.

The Impact of Injuries

Injuries to kickers can have a significant impact on a team's performance. With a struggling kicker, a team may resort to punting on fourth down, which can lead to a loss of field position and momentum. In the NFL, field position is everything. A team that can consistently pin the opposing team deep in their own territory has a significant advantage. The Texans have struggled with this aspect of the game, often finding themselves in difficult situations due to the struggles of their kicker.

Modern-Day Kickers: The Texans' Current Options

In recent years, the Texans have had a few different kickers come and go. One of the most notable has been Riley Dixon. Dixon, a former University of Syracuse standout, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Dixon's preseason performance was impressive, and he won the starting job heading into the 2014 season. However, Dixon's regular-season performance was inconsistent, and he struggled with accuracy. The Texans eventually replaced Dixon with Nick Novak, who has had a much more successful stint as the team's kicker.

Nick Novak: The Texans' Current Kicker

Nick Novak, a highly touted kicker out of Illinois State, was signed by the Texans in 2017. Novak's preseason performance was impressive, and he won the starting job heading into the 2017 season. Novak's regular-season performance has been one of the most consistent in the NFL, with a career-high 39 field goals made in 2017. Novak's accuracy has been a major factor in the Texans' success, and he has become a key component of the team's offense.

The Importance of Kickers in the Modern Era

The importance of kickers in the modern era of football cannot be overstated. With the rise of advanced analytics and the emphasis on precision in football, kickers have become a crucial part of a team's success. The ability to consistently make field goals and extra points has become a major factor in determining the outcome of games. The Texans' struggles with their kicker in the past have been a major concern, but with the arrival of Nick Novak, the team has finally found a reliable option.

Conclusion

The Houston Texans' kicker has been a major area of concern throughout their history. From Billy Cundiff to Nick Novak, the Texans have struggled to find a consistent and reliable option. However, with the arrival of Novak, the team has finally found a kicker who can consistently deliver. As the NFL continues to evolve and become more analytics-driven, the importance of kickers will only continue to grow. For the Texans, a strong kicker will be a key component of their success