At Least We Have A Kicker

The Cleveland Browns made a bold off season move to solve their kicking woes by trading for veteran kicker, Dustin Hopkins, from the Los Angeles Chargers. Hopkins, who has been in the league since 2013, has a career field goal percentage of 84.8% and has made 94.4% of his extra points. He has also kicked four game-winning field goals in his career, including a 39-yarder in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers last season.

Hopkins is a significant upgrade over Cade York, who the Browns waived after a disappointing preseason. York, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2022, had the worst field goal percentage in the NFL last season at 72.4% and missed several crucial kicks that cost the Browns numerous games. He also struggled this preseason, missing four field goal attempts in three games.

The Browns are hoping that Hopkins can provide them with the consistency and reliability they need in the kicking department, especially as they entered this season with high expectations. The Browns have one of the most talented rosters in the league, with a potent defense and a huge question mark on offense that lies with their Quarterback, Deshaun Watson. The Browns are still aiming to win their first division title since 1989 and make a deep playoff run after reaching the divisional round just a few years ago. 

However, as any football fan knows, games can often come down to a single kick. The Browns learned that the hard way last season, when they lost to the Baltimore Ravens by three points after York missed a 55-yard field goal attempt with two seconds left. They also lost to the Las Vegas Raiders by two points after York missed a 37-yarder in the fourth quarter. Those two losses prevented the Browns from securing a playoff spot. 

With Hopkins on board, the Browns can feel more confident that they have a kicker who can deliver in clutch situations. He has started the season making 5 of his 6 FG attempts and he has made all of his XP oppurtinities. Hopkins has proven himself to be one of the most accurate kickers in the league, ranking ninth among active kickers in field goal percentage. He has also shown his ability to handle pressure, making all four of his field goal attempts in his only playoff appearance with Washington in 2015.

Hopkins is not only a great kicker, but also a great teammate and leader. He was praised by his former coaches and teammates for his professionalism and work ethic. He was also involved in several community initiatives, such as supporting military families and raising awareness for pediatric cancer with his previous teams. He will fit right in with the Browns' culture of accountability and service.

The Browns have made a game-changing upgrade by acquiring Hopkins, who really can make the difference between winning and losing these close games. With Nick Chubb out for the year, and waiting on our prayers to be answered with Watson at quarterback, we might just need our defense and the right leg of D-Hop to carry us home.

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