Kicking Competition A Bad Idea?
July 2nd, 2017
New Bucs kicker Nick Folk, who converted 27 of 31 field goal attempts last year for the Jets.
Two fun situations are brewing in New York, and they both have to do with new Tampa Bay kicker Nick Folk.
First, Giants fans have been crying in their beers that their team didn’t sign Folk — or any veteran kicker.
Second, local Giants media and fans openly are keeping a close eye on the Folk-Roberto Aguayo competition, hoping Aguayo wins so they can finally sign Folk, the most accurate field goal kicker in Jets history.
Coming off a stunning 11-5 season, the Giants are rolling with undrafted rookie kicker Aldrick Rosas. But what’s intriguing is Giants special teams coach Tom Quinn, who has been with the team 11 years and has two Super Bowl rings, says a kicking competition isn’t the best idea.
Quinn, per NYSportsday.com, was asked if it was important to have another kicker in camp to amp up the competition.
“I don’t know if you necessarily have to. The problem nowadays is there’s a lot less kicks than there used to be. With no more two a days and limited practice, you have to give the guys everything you can. If you start bringing in two or three kickers, it really waters it down,” Quinn said.
Hmm, so there is a respected special teams coach saying there’s not enough legitimate practice work for multiple kickers. Joe suspects Bucs general manager Jason Licht had similar thoughts last year, when he opted to make Aguayo the only kicker in Bucs camp. Licht probably thought, “Just let Roberto have all the work since he’ll be our only opening day kicker.” Licht later said passing on competition for Aguayo wasn’t his best move.
NJ.com beat writer James Kratch noted Quinn’s comments and added, “there’s really no reason for the Giants to have a veteran kicker in camp. If they need one, they’ll just go get one when they do.”
Joe really can’t say what is the best way to handle a kicking situation, other than to make sure you don’t pick a dud.
Joe still firmly believes the minute Folk signed a contract with Tampa Bay, one that included guaranteed money, it became his kicking job to lose. Aguayo would need a perfect preseason and training camp to somehow retain his job.
July 2nd, 2017 at 7:51 am
B.S.! The only problem was drafting him. I hate this everybody gets a trophy Society we live in earn your job! Kid should have been cut already
July 2nd, 2017 at 8:16 am
The obvious solution is to make time by making it a priority. Look, Aguayo will be a good kicker in the NFL either in Tampa or somewhere else. But, no matter what happens the Bucs and the Fans win by having the best kicker available.
July 2nd, 2017 at 8:30 am
Buc scotty
I think trading up and getting him in 2nd round was the problem. Too much pressure. Take him in the 5th or later n all would be better, not to mention we would have more players from that draft. Kicking is 90 percent mental. Having said that tho he doesnt have a strong leg either. Folk wins this “battle” easily in my opinion. The gmen can have aguayo. Go bucs
July 2nd, 2017 at 8:38 am
Zzzzzźzz
July 2nd, 2017 at 9:26 am
Limited kicking opportunities is BS. Every year there are multiple kickers that come “off the street” and perform well, with minimal to no kicking reps with a given team.
July 2nd, 2017 at 9:43 am
“Joe still firmly believes the minute Folk signed a contract with Tampa Bay, one that included guaranteed money, it became his kicking job to lose…”
Walker got guaranteed money too. Just saying…
On topic…let’s wait and see how that team’s kicker does this year. You can bet if their undrafted kicker blows this season, they’ll have competition next year.
So far as Aguayo, he DOES have the leg strength. He’s been making the long kicks this off season. Think about it…through the mini camps and OTAs, how many times have you heard that he missed? 3? Maybe 4 kicks all off season?
He’s gotten better. Is he good enough yet? We’ll see.
July 2nd, 2017 at 9:45 am
What T said.
July 2nd, 2017 at 9:46 am
One thing is certain. Using the narrow posts has greatly improved his regulation kicking accuracy. The majority of his misses, if not all, have been with narrow posts. And Folk has missed nearly as many (they are just spread out more).
July 2nd, 2017 at 10:18 am
@ Bonzai
If their undrafted kicker blows this season you can bet they will bring in some kickers during the season to look at and keep the best one. This whole kicking competition in Tampa is a unique situation cause of Aguayo’s draft stock. If Aguayo was undrafted, he would have been cut before last season even started. All kickers are disposable, unless they are drafted high and given the benefit of the doubt.
July 2nd, 2017 at 11:23 am
Aguayo still being on the team has nothing to do with “everyone gets a trophy.” You don’t cut a second round draft pick so early.
July 2nd, 2017 at 12:18 pm
Incredible.
Competition isn’t a good thing.
I wish all my coaches knew that because every year I had competition for my job, and sometimes during the season.
Would have made life less stressful.
July 2nd, 2017 at 12:19 pm
This guy and Roberto the kicker are the only ones who thought it was a bad idea bringing in Folk.
July 2nd, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Buccaneer SCOTTY :
If he should be cut due to his performance, it’s safe to say you would have cut Janakowsi after his first horrible year as well ? Stats basically same
I was yelling to cut him but I think give him this preseason to perform.
Joe: If Folk so great why didn’t anyone else sign him , just wondering what is there that people avoided the best kicker in league last year? Maybe u have insight thx
July 2nd, 2017 at 12:59 pm
I hafta root for the kid. That being said, I hope the better kicker wins, for the team and fan’s sake. Or we will all be drunk off our asses with saki.
July 2nd, 2017 at 1:24 pm
That response from the Giants special teams coach wreaks of someone who is being asked to make chicken soup outta chicken !@#$. Dewey Selmon said it best 2 slots above me.
July 2nd, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Nick Folk is friggin jacked. He get’s any bigger, he could play LB.
July 2nd, 2017 at 1:52 pm
The Truth , Janikowskis longest was over 50 his rookie year, the only question was his accuracy. If this guy was from Montana State, you and the rest of the FSU clown wagon would have howled for his head on his first thirty yard chip shot miss. His only 50 attempt last year looked like my 10 yr old daughter kicked it. Go to Joe Nole fan .com if you have colllege alligence ahead of what’s best for the Buccaneers. Cause it definitely ain’t Clank the Robot Aguayyo
July 2nd, 2017 at 1:54 pm
At least Folk has kicked a 50 yard field goal in the NFL, in New Jersey no less. This guy can’t kick a 50 yarder with Hurricane Andrew behind him.
July 2nd, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Keep counting
Aguayo out…imo he is going to wipe the field with Folk and some here will still be pining over Folk. It was not Aguayo’s fault he was picked 2nd. Overcoming adversity now will make him close to perfect later. Altho again some here will expect him to be perfect Folk’s record is not near perfect.
Aguayo is a better fit for our young team so, let the competition continue, Aguayo will not be sittinf on his couch, he WILL be making clutch kicks for another needy team if not the Bucs☠
July 2nd, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Anyone here like me that couldn’t watch 1 or more FG attempts last year???
July 2nd, 2017 at 8:55 pm
Sheeeeeeeee-it!!! U used to able to grab a beer during a BUCS FG or XP try, now you freak out with one eye open and your fingers crossed.
July 2nd, 2017 at 11:35 pm
chris: folks brother probably
seems like you talk as you know me, but like typical loud mouth, you dont know squat!!!!. First I am far from a NOLE fan , Im a CANE “THE U” when u talk college most are players are successful or elite NFL players so I dont need to talk about them getting cut.
2nd we were not bright enough to answer the questions, would you have cut Jankowski ? I dont care what school they came from to be honest but to many Buc fans want to cut everyone after one year.. Ronde was terrible and toasted his first couple years.
my question and maybe you can ask your brother FOLK why the other 31 teams were not rushing to sign the greatest kicker last year.
July 2nd, 2017 at 11:43 pm
chris: folks brother probably
seems like you talk as you know me, but like typical loud mouth, you dont know squat!!!!. First I am far from a NOLE fan , Im a CANE “THE U” when u talk college most of our players are successful or elite NFL players so I dont need to talk about them getting cut.
2nd you were not bright enough to answer the questions, would you have cut Jankowski ? I dont care what school they came from to be honest but to many Buc fans they want to cut everyone after one year.. Ronde was terrible and toasted his first couple years. Remember buc fans were wantinf to get EVANS out of here cause he was dropping balls and getting penalties for not controlling emotions his rookie year, now these same are claiming he is best player on team. ( I wont argue that , think he is most productive)
my question and maybe you can ask your brother FOLK why the other 31 teams were not rushing to sign the greatest kicker last year you have ever seen?
If Roberto can not REACH over 50 he has to go !! I didnt pay attention to his kicks in FSU cause not my team.. ( oh unless u create fake news to make a point)
July 3rd, 2017 at 1:44 am
I personally don’t care what the guys in NY have to say. Tell me what Rich Bissacia has to say. Never should’ve gotten rid of that guy.
July 3rd, 2017 at 6:57 am
To answer your question…NO! Competition is Absolutely needed.