Feely Goes Wide Right
It’s been an interesting two days in the world of kickers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
To reach the NFL roster limit of 75, the Chiefs final cut was Jay Feely, the veteran kicker they signed on Monday.
They will go into the pre-season finale with both kickers that went through training camp: Nick Novak and Connor Barth.
So what happened? The Chiefs aren’t saying anything publicly at this time and haven’t even announced the move.
But all three kickers had a kickoff the last three days and the order of finish for most field goals made was Barth, Novak and then Feely.
It’s impressive to see Barth respond to the competition.  More on this to come.
This is really funny, when you think about it. Bring in a veteran for competition, and he can’t beat out any of the other two that the Chiefs are dissatisfied with. I wonder if this will end Feely’s career…
Interesting, However I hope it gives Barth a push, Novak is not, will not and never was a solid kicker to be counted on, Feely is just obviously not the guy due to kickoffs(I still believe you should be able to cover a kick regardless)…Hopefully Barth makes the team.
whats the timeline on kevin robinson now, is he out for the year or is it like Priest, 6 weeks then see?
Call me a kool-aid drinker, but, I choose to believe in the method more than the madness. Even with recent problems, I’m trusting Carl, Herm, and the coaching staff know alot more than the people calling for thier jobs. Keep up the good work Bob. I work 3rd shift and your site is the first thing I pull up in the morning when I get home.
I am extremely proud to be a Chief fan today. They stuck to the youth movement credo, and didn’t just go with a “name” veteran. It’s an amazingly refreshing break from the past Chiefs way of doing business. It would have been easy to just sign the name vet, and go with him. That’s what most of the fans used to the old way of doing things wanted, and would have accepted. But they let the kids evenly compete with him, and Barth, especially, beat his butt out of town. Hopefully Barth gets the job, and proves he’s worthy of keeping it. Also hopefully, they are patient enough to allow him to struggle when/if he does. That’s what committing to youth means. Identify a talented player and stick with him and let him develop.
If he’s found wanting after a real regular season trial by fire, there are always street vets like Feeley out there if need be.
Bravo Chiefs.
Wonder how long the sacrifical ‘kicker’ will last this year? One game like Medlock? A few more like Rayner? Or will the pacesetter be old enough that he’s wearing a pacemaker, ala Carney?
The possibility the Chiefs will again go through several kickers this year is above average. And we’ve not yet heard the last of Mssr. Jay Feely, my opine.
I hear Blanda’s been working out too…
Medlock was horrible in OTA’s, horrible in training camp, horrible in the exhibitions, did not display an NFL caliber leg, was a head case, and missed a chippie in game 1. He made his bed with what he did before that game 1. If he was good up to that point, and then missed the chippie, I’m sure he would have been kept. Barth won a roster spot in OTA’s, has had a good camp, and a decent exhibition season. And kicked lights out in what was an open 2 day, 30 FG competition where his job was clearly on the line. Other than being a rookie, he has nothing in common with Medlock. Although I much prefer going with the unknown quantity in Barth over the retread Novak, both have had decent enough camps and have shown enough upside to warrant more time than Medlock got. As for Feeley, I wish him luck, and if Barth or Novak struggle after being given ample opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be among the street FA’s we’ll bring in again for a look if he’s still unemployed, as will Cundiff, although I’d prefer someone with a stronger kickoff leg, like a Rayner, even with his inconsitencies.
Lets see: A QB completes 65% of his passes and he’s an all-pro candidate. A baseball hitter gets hits 35% of the time and he’s ticketed for the hall of fame.
A kicker is successful 80% of the time and he’s run out of town. It’s no wonder that kickers are strange, paranoid, guys. Wouldn’t you be?
Rich, realize he was outkicked by both barth and novak in practice, and understand he had to be FAR better due to his lack of distance on kickoffs, plus we dont know if Priefer or Herm or someone saw something with his leg injury that worried them.