UNSTABLE KICKING MAY DOOM CHARGERS

2018 was the first year in a long time where the Patriots didn’t dominate special teams. While they had their share of ups and downs (Patriot level downs of course), it was nothing compared to the weekly roster changes for the Chargers.

This week the Chargers added another kicker to their roster for the sole purpose of kickoffs. Should Nick Rose play, he’ll be the third kicker to suit up for the Chargers this season. Since the season started, here are all of LA’s transactions involving punters and kickers. Keep in mind, they have completed all of these transactions without suffering from injuries.

10/2 waived punter Drew Kaser

10/2 signed punter Donnie Jones

10/11 signed kicker Michael Badgley

10/30 waived Badgley

10/31 signed Badey to practice squad

11/05 signed Badgley to active roster

11/05 released kicker Caleb Sturgis

1/11 signed kicker Nick Rose

KICKERS- With the Chargers feeling the need to bring in a kicker for kickoffs, I’m pretty confident that Badgley won’t have very good range in the frigid gametime temperatures. While he did grow up in New Jersey, he did his college kicking for Miami. Should the Chargers try and test his leg, they may be setting up the Patriots with some incredible field position.

The graphic below shows Badgley’s three attempts at a game winner in Pittsburgh.

Looking at the play by play it appears the Steelers were having a meltdown on special teams. In reality it appears the Chargers long snapper was guilty of moving the ball.

PUNTERS- The Chargers have used two punters this season. Currently punting for the Bolts is 38 year old Donnie Jones. This season he’s punted 47 times, 15 inside the 20 and 3 touchbacks. Having played several seasons in Philadelphia, the cold weather shouldn’t hurt him too much.