Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun noted in a blog post this morning that the Baltimore Ravens can thank K Ryan Succop for them picking up K Billy Cundiff. The Ravens wanted to pick up Succop as an undrafted free agent following the 2009 NFL draft but the Chiefs instead made him Mr. Irrelevant with the final pick.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh later said of missing out on Succop: "The Chiefs broke out hearts."
For now, it doesn't appear either team lost out. Succop has been solid with the Chiefs hitting on 25-of-29 kicks in year one and 20-of-26 this year. Cundiff has been outstanding this year hitting on 26-of-29 field goals en route to a Pro Bowl.
Cundiff also tied the NFL record for touchbacks in a season with 40. That's an important note to keep in mind as we talk about special teams. We've said we think the Chiefs need some sort of big play to stay in this game and they may not even get the chance to make that play if Cundiff boots it into the end zone enough.
On the topic of special teams, we already passed along word that the Ravens would be working out a left-footed punter to prepare for Dustin Colquitt.
Here's to Ryan Succop breaking their hearts one more time....