In the past decade, the Los Angeles Chargers had been haunted by a recurring issue – their subpar special teams, with a glaring spotlight on their kicking game. However, in recent times, a new star has emerged on the horizon, reshaping the narrative around the Chargers’ special teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Michael Badgley’s inconsistent performance in 2020 left a trail of missed opportunities for the Chargers.
- The Chargers made a change by bringing in Dustin Hopkins, who was later replaced by Cameron Dicker.
- Cameron Dicker, dubbed “Dicker the Kicker,” has brought stability to the position with impressive accuracy.
In 2020, the Chargers’ fortunes seemed to hinge on the accuracy of their kicker, Michael Badgley, who struggled by hitting just 24 out of 33 field goals. His missed attempts, particularly in crucial moments towards the end of the season, cost the team dearly.
In response to these struggles, the Chargers made a significant move by acquiring Dustin Hopkins to fill the kicking role. However, even Hopkins eventually found himself out of the job, as the team opted to go with the young talent, Cameron Dicker.
In light of his remarkable achievements to date, special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken shared his thoughts with Omar Navarro of Chargers.com, stating:
“He’s Steady Eddie. Very consistent in his approach. Not just in the games but out in practice, he’s a professional. Whether it’s a 58-yarder, 55-yarder or a PAT, he has the same mindset and he’s going to approach every kick the same way.”
Since Cameron Dicker’s arrival in Los Angeles, he has made a remarkable impact. The former UT Austin kicker boasts an impressive 95.5% field goal success rate, along with a perfect record on extra-point attempts. His consistency has been a breath of fresh air for Chargers fans who have suffered through years of poor kicking performances, untimely misses, and a revolving door of kickers.
For the Chargers, finding a franchise kicker like Cameron Dicker is a game-changer. It’s a crucial step in their quest for success, mirroring the strategies of other successful NFL franchises like Baltimore, Cincinnati, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. Having an elite kicker that you can rely on year after year provides a distinct advantage. It ensures that the team seldom leaves points on the board and instills confidence in long-distance kicks, ultimately strengthening their overall performance.
As the Chargers continue to build on this newfound kicking stability, fans can look forward to more consistent and reliable special teams play. Cameron Dicker’s impact is not only changing the way the Chargers approach their kicking game but could potentially alter the course of the team’s future success on the field.
Don’t forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!
