New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve this week because of a hip injury, and it sounds like Bill Belichick believes the ailment was the biggest reason the veteran had been struggling this season.
Belichick, who is known for trying to keep his players grounded by not heaping too much praise on them, referred to Gostkowski on Friday as “one of the greatest kickers of all time.”
Bill Belichick called Stephen Gostkowski one of the greatest kickers of all time, but he also has confidence that Mike Nugent can fill his kicking shoe this season: https://t.co/EBpx65x2N2 pic.twitter.com/aPPgq2WqrQ
— WBZ Boston Sports (@wbzsports) October 4, 2019
“Steve Gostkowski’s one of the greatest kickers of all time. He’s been great for this franchise,” Belichick said. “Unfortunately, he’s not available.”
Gostkowski missed four extra points through the first four games and converted 7-of-8 field goals. While Patriots fans will probably remember his recent misses more than his past makes, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe noted that Belichick has a point, as Gostkowski ranks third in NFL history with an 87.4 field goal conversion percentage. He’s also among the best ever in long kicks.
Belichick calls Stephen Gostkowski "one of the greatest kickers of all time." Gostkowski doesn't have many signature kicks, but the numbers back him up — 3rd in NFL history in field goal percentage, and 4th all time from 50+ yards pic.twitter.com/WvcqCDuUKu
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 4, 2019
Fans in New England probably have a tendency to take Gostkowski’s accomplishments for granted. After all, Adam Vinatieri kicked for the Patriots before him, and Vinatieri made some of the most clutch kicks in franchise history. Still, it would not be a surprise if the man who will be tasked with replacing Gostkowski does not live up to expectations.
