Redskins Need Kai Forbath Back ASAP

In the mix of all the issues exposed in yesterday’s game, one thing that isn’t being fully discussed is the Redskins kicker situation. Perhaps that is due to people just believing that Forbath will be ready to go this week, but I’m not sure if we can count on that. A sore groin for a kicker is not an easy thing to overcome and it is possible that Forbath will be out again or at least a game time decision. In either case the Redskins will need to have a back-up option on the roster and ready to go this week.

While they may be inclined to just keep John Potter in that role, I think would be a mistake to trust him again in this role. It’s not just that he missed a 50 yard field goal attempt, but it is how bad he missed that kick. That just looked ugly and his “effective” range has to be very limited. The Redskins knew that and that is why on other opportunities they decided to go for it on 4th down, or punt it away rather than trying kicks. The Redskins can’t afford to handicap their offense and take away chances for points. They need to look at the kicker market and bring in some other options, in case Forbath can’t go this week (or even longer). Here are some of the better options on the market:

Neil Rackers: This is the best option, though it is a bit surprising he’s still on the street. The Redskins are a bit familiar with him after last year’s preseason battle, and he’s got a tremendous track record. He might not have wowed in preseason last year, but Rackers had FG%’s of 89.3, 94.1, 90, and 84.2 from 2008-2011. Those are insane numbers, especially since they include a number of 50+ yarders. Now perhaps he has fallen off given that he is now 37, but he’s definitely worth the look.

Olindo Mare: Mare is a veteran who has had some great years in his career, he just hasn’t always been consistent. He would give the Redskins a solid reliable veteran, but he’s not much of a distance kicker, so anything past 50 yards is going to be a big stretch. He’s also not a great kick-off guy so the Redskins would be hurting in that area.

Justin Medlock: Medlock has just a 66.7% career FG percentage but he does have some experience in live games, which the Redskins could be looking for. As an aside, he’s the kicker Forbath replaced at UCLA, and Medlock’s senior year he did hit on 87% of his field goals.

Havard Rugland: The Norwegian sensation who made a name and got an NFL tryout due to his Youtube Video. Rugland was in Lions camp, but had little chance versus veteran David Akers, by all accounts though Rugland performed well and made all three of his preseason kicks including a 49 yarder. This would be a little off the wall, but that might not be a bad thing for the Redskins.

Quinn Sharp: Sharp was considered one of the better college kickers last year, after he was a 4 year punter and two year place kicker for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Sharp ranked high in a number of kicking and punting categories, and was a very effective kickoff specialist as well leading the nation in touchbacks for two years. Last year he was automatic inside 45 yards and made half of his 50+ attempts. His career 84.7 FG% was 2nd among active kickers last season. He signed with the Bengals, but was cut by the team. He’s definitely someone the Redskins should consider bringing in and maybe signing.

Brett Maher: Maher was an undrafted rookie out of Nebraska who had been punting and kicking for them these past two seasons. He was released by both the Jets and Cowboys during camp. He made about 80% of his kicks in college, and was decent on kick-offs. The Redskins can probably do better, but he’s worth a tryout.

My Order: I’d go Rackers first due to experience, followed by Quinn Sharp, Mare and Rugland. Medlock and Maher are only options if the Redskins are desperate.