It depends on your definition of clutch. Every kick a kicker makes is clutch, especially if it affects the outcome of the game. You claim the other team members have performed in the clutch. They have, but they have also failed in the clutch, yet I don't see you screaming for their heads. Same thing for Rakers. He has made clutch kicks, but you refuse to recognize that fact and only want to look at the missed kicks.
Every kicker there has ever been in the NFL have missed clutch kicks at one time or another. It's the nature of the game. You also refuse to recognize that Rakers has been injured this year and is probably not at 100%. And you would get rid of him not having an adequate replacement. You allow your emotions to override your judgement. I'm glad Whis is the one who has to make this decision. He knows the value Rakers brings to this team and won't replace him unless he feels he has someone better.
Exactly. If you really examine the facts in more detail, you could make a strong case that Rackers has at least heavily influenced if not outright won several games over the past few years and performed in clutch situations. Cases in point:
Opening day game this year against the 49ers: Rackers made the kick in the 4th quarter to give the Cards the lead and then put the kickoff through the endzone for a touchback. Not his fault that the defense blew the game.
Last year at Seattle: Had four field goals in a game we only won by 6.
Last year against the 49ers at home: Three FGs in the game to keep us in a position to win, which we did by 5.
The Dallas game last year: His 41 yd FG gives the Cards a 10 point lead and allows Dallas to only tie the game. We win in OT. If he misses, we lose in regulation.
First week last year @SF: Three FGs, including the one that gave us the lead in the second half for good.
2007, Atlanta: already covered. Tied the game in the 4th quarter and won it in OT.
2007, Cleveland: Our last 6 points in the 4th quarter in a game we won by 6.
2007 @STL: Two game tying FGs in a game we won by 3.
2007 @BAL: Tied the game in the 4th quarter, defense blew it, Cards lost. Not his fault.
2007 Seattle, wk 2. Already covered. Tied the game in 4th quarter (52 yd FG); won the game in 4th quarter (42 yd FG)
2006 @SF: Four FGs in a game won by 6. Two in the 4th quarter.
There’s not much value in going back any further, but there are more examples prior to 2006 as well, including a six FG performance against the 49ers in 2005 (four of them over 40 yds).
Not saying he's the best PK in the league, but I think he deserves a little more fairness and consideration than a knee-jerk reaction to missing a kick in a game that he may not have been at 100% and that we won anyway.
If we can get an elite, proven clutch kicker, then great....but I don't think that person is going to be available or the team wont pay what is required to get him.
