Just a Hiccup for Chiefs Succop?

by Joel Thorman on Sep 2, 2009 10:21 AM CDT in 2009 Training Camp Comment 56 comments

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop (6) misses a field goal during the first half of their preseason NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

by Reed Hoffmann - AP

2 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop (6) misses a field goal during the first half of their preseason NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

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Maybe I jinxed him.

Last Friday, I wrote about Kansas City Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop being nearly perfect thus far in training camp and preseason. How did I talk about a kicker and not expect to jinx him?

NJ Chiefs Fan said it best on Friday, "I'm confused. First a post about no injuries, now one about how accurate the kicker is. We’re screwed."

And he was right. A missed 28 yard field goal and a 53 yarder that bounced out was the jinx.

"The first half was unacceptable," Succop said following Saturday's loss to the Seahawks. "I gotta make those kicks. That's all there is to it."

Those missed opportunities would have given the Chiefs the victory.

"Yeah, you know, just didn't have enough on it and I missed it. No excuses." But, an important note is that he did recover and got the Chiefs within four points and a chance to win the game with a 35 yard fourth quarter field goal.

"I'm proud of how I played in the second half," he said. "It was a little better."

What I noticed on the first kick was a Seahawks defender coming through the line possibly within range to block the field goal. "Yeah, the first one I just missed it and it's unexcusable," Succop told reporters following the game. "I gotta make that kick every time."

Then, on the missed 53 yarder, Thomas Gafford's snap was low, possible throwing off his rhythm. I talked to a few other reporters who noted the low snap and, at least from our view, that might have caused him to slow down his wind up thus creating the kick about a yard short.

When asked about the low snap he said, "No, I didn't notice anything."

He was quick to take all the blame. As a kicker, when even the most minute discrepancies can affect the kick, it's easy to pass the blame even indirectly. For example, he could have said, "Yeah the snap was low but I still had a shot at it." Nope. No blame anywhere except for himself, which is an admirable trait in a kicker.

So, after going 3/3 during the preseason, and hitting 96% of his kicks in training camp, things came crashing down. Does he feel like this is a big step back, especially considering the consistent reminders that he's competing against other free kickers in the NFL including former Chief Connor Barth?

"No, you know, I've got to go out this week and improve, get better and come back and make the rest of my kicks."

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Comments

NJ Chiefs Fan

was spot on.
No more talk of injuries or the kicker being near perfect.

by Bra on Sep 2, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ever.

Never ever mention it. Ever. Never ever.

Got it?

by JacinB on Sep 2, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should we then say the Center sucks

so we might not have any mishandled snaps? :)

"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Sep 2, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It doesn't work in reverse.

If it did, we’d’ve been in the Superbowl last year.

by JacinB on Sep 2, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it remains in preseason

then it’s not really a problem. Just don’t take it into the regular season is all I ask!

by IISaiNtII on Sep 2, 2009 10:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Karma

You know it always happens when you talk about stuff… That is why no one goes and tells a pitcher… “Hey dude you are throwing a No-No”

by flyin_squirl on Sep 2, 2009 10:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Seriously.

I want to know who thought it was a great idea to post those “Hey, look how great we’ve been at keeping guys healthy!” and “Wow, our kicker is amazingly perfectly brilliant!” posts. It’s like one of the biggest rules in sports: If you have a good thing going, DO NOT TALK ABOUT IT.

by JacinB on Sep 2, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And, for what it's worth ...

I got my new Derrick Thomas throwback from 101jerseys.com this past weekend. I’d like to establish it as my lucky jersey when we play the Rams.

As such, I’d appreciate it if no one on this site would post anything that might possibly f—- that game up for us and, thus, screw up my new lucky jersey.

Thank you.

by JacinB on Sep 2, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have stopped...

buying jerseys. Every jersey I bought led to a players injury ( Trent Green, Priest Holmes) or their departure from the team (Jared Allen). No more jerseys for me for a while dammit! Or I will limit myself to throwbacks.

by dragon6172 on Sep 2, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think if you get a DT jersey

he’ll be ok.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How is it?

I got my Cassel Jersey and I can’t wear it. I went for a large and it is ridiculously long. I have no idea if it can be fixed.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it comes like 2 in above my knee.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I haven't put it on yet, but it looks alright.

by JacinB on Sep 2, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

try it on

was it a large? I want to order from them again but I don’t want to spend 40 bucks on another dress.

I am 6-1. If this thing is long on me there is a problem. I think the mediumk would fit me fine but I am worried about it still being long.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

The large I got for Bowe seemed short to me.

by Bra on Sep 2, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If they can't get it right in those sweat shops

they need to start paying them less!

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or working them in more miserable conditions.

crank up the heat and make ’em sweat! Get a steam whistle!

by IISaiNtII on Sep 2, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

I suppose the tailor may be able to bring it up. Even if it cost me a few bucks it is still way cheaper than the $248 bucks it could have cost me.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For 248?

That one of the “Authentic” jerseys? Those are designed to be like the real thing, and would not be so long if they went over a set of football pads. I typically get the “Replica” jerseys because a) I am not rich and they cost less and b) they are not so obnoxiously long.

by dragon6172 on Sep 2, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw

a vincent cassel #7 white Jersey and a red one for like 45 bucks,Too bad it dont have the first name initial on it like larry and derrick johnson
http://www.jersey2u.com/products/?Kansas-City-Chiefs-s28_p1.html

by Bestofthewest on Sep 2, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe you can get Brodie's wife to model it....

for a pic here on AP?

by CurtMerzFan on Sep 2, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i recommend the cassel jersey T-Shirt, looks like a chiefs shirt on front, with cassel and a 7 on the back

by SDChief on Sep 2, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would say he made his hardest kick of the night. After completely blowing it on a 28 yarder and coming up short (but dead center) on the 53 yarder the 35 yarder he did make had to be the hardest mentally. Hopefully it was just a little hiccup and he moves on.

by Jawookie on Sep 2, 2009 10:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't worry about him too much

First it was a preseason game and it really doesn’t matter, everyone makes mistakes and even though we want our kickers to be perfect every time that is not gonna happen. Even the best kickers have few misses, it’s part of the game. Missing a 28 yard kick is pretty bad, but lets be glad he did it in preseason. Now he knows he needs to work harder and concentrate more in game situations. He will be fine.

by Bearson on Sep 2, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The short kick made me cringe.

My normal standards for kickers:
Under 40 should be automatic
40-50 hit most of them
Over 50 is gravy

With Succop I may have higher expectations for over 50 yarders, but it’s hard to get upset about a 53 yard miss.

by NJ Chiefs Fan on Sep 2, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Way to f*ck if all up Joel :)

by AK_47 on Sep 2, 2009 11:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Primetime would never jinx anyone

Who is Joel Thorman?

I'd rather die on my feet than be living on my knees

by ArrowDread on Sep 2, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No one seems to mention that all the new renovations to the stadium may have changed the way the winds blow within the stadium…

by bevis369 on Sep 2, 2009 11:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good point

1/6 combined field goals is just not out of nowhere

by SDChief on Sep 2, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great point

For those interested in this, check out this Bob Gretz article.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 2, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at the game....

And as far as my drunk ass could remember there was not even the slightest amount of wind.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 2, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the wind

doesnt come up in the stands, read the article, its very particular, when I spoke to a buddy of mine who was our special teams coach for 5 years, he said that the winds were very decieving, and that the flags may not be blowing, and the fans may notice very little, but there is a nasty cross wind in certain parts of the field.

by SDChief on Sep 2, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and...

the other kicker missed 3 FG, right?

so, maybe something was up

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Sep 2, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couple things on the missed kicks.

Something definetly happened on the first kick whether it was bad placement by the holder(doubting this but could be) or a slip on the placement foot or something because theres no way that was just bad accuracy. That ball came off the side of his foot and shot out completely sideways.

The second only came up short because the first one missed. You could tell in his reaction that he knew he had it and I think he took something off that kick to make sure it was down the middle. We all know 53 yards is well within his range especially on a night that had very little wind.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Sep 2, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's all about how he responds

if he was a veteran kicker and he shanked a 28 yarder we wouldn’t be too worried. Since we don’t have a large body of work to base it on it is scary.

If he comes out and gets it done for us tomorrow night it will show great character and that he hopefully isn’t a head case.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 2, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm getting used to the doom and gloom preseason...

one thing goes bad and it’s overs! He missed field goals and everyones heart skips a beat. Very amusing. I feel like I should expect ANYTHING to happen this season…so just buckling up and enjoying the ride. :]

by worc on Sep 2, 2009 11:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Compared to last year

when anything over 30yds was doubtful, Succop is a definite improvement.

Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!

by sir eccles on Sep 2, 2009 12:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barth was 10/12 last year it's not like he was terrible.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 2, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When did Barth get picked up by the Dolphins?

I must have missed that one.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 2, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

Barth was signed by the Miami Dolphins on August 10, 2009 to compete with incumbent placekicker Dan Carpenter.5 However, the Dolphins waived Barth on August 29.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 2, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but what about length (ooh err)

how many of those 12 attempts were long? nfl.com suggests:

6/6 20-29 yds not bad
3/4 30-39 yds ok I suppose
1/1 40-49 yds wow he’s perfect
0/1 50+ umm

reading into those numbers a little suggests Herm was cool with Barth taking short fg attempts but anything over high 30s he didn’t bother asking him to try and would rather punt (obviously you’d have to look more closely at each game to check that but that was the impression I got watching last year). If you look at the majority of the other kickers in the league, they kicked two or three times as many.

He just wasn’t there in the clutch long fg situations.

Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!

by sir eccles on Sep 2, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha...i guess?

Thoes numbers look decent to me.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Sep 2, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea... sure...

only three attempts of 40+ yards in a 16 game season… I guess our offense was better on third and 4th down last year than I remember… anybody got some ginkgo biloba?

by CurtMerzFan on Sep 2, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

but when did barth show the ability to dominate outside of 50?

plus, his kickoffs were worst in the league among starting kickers, and actually placed worse than 10 non starters

by SDChief on Sep 2, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, he's solid

no concerns here

by stagdsp on Sep 2, 2009 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Responsibility

I really like that he took responsibility for the misses. Shows maturity — I’m liking this kid more & more. Now, I want to see him get a tackle with a big hit on a Kick-off Return…

"Every day is an evaluation and if you’re not out there how can we depend on you? If you’re out there and you don’t know what to do, how can we depend on you?" Accountability -- Haley-style...

by Chief_Elmo on Sep 2, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

completely

couldve said oh snap was low, but we expect it since we change snappers and it throws off the rythm…which was a medlock excuse.

I look at it this way,ill sacrifice a BIT of accuracy, to have a guy that can boot it 4 yards deep into the end zone, and can hit 60 yard field goals.

by SDChief on Sep 2, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Succop will be the kicker for the AFC

in the 2011 Pro Bowl.

I’ll bet 6 Oreos on it

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Sep 2, 2009 2:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll take that bet...

and raise you a glass of milk!

by Cowboynchrist on Sep 2, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will he...

be able to do that while also kicking in the Super Bowl that year?

by sunny D on Sep 2, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was surprised to read on Gretz’ update today that Colquitt’s little bro had been released by Denver. Hope it has sucess somewhere outside of our division.

by zbschiefs on Sep 2, 2009 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs