Fans who have been calling for Hauschka's head since he missed a 45 yard game-winner in Minnesota have gotten their wish. Last night's game against the Browns was the final straw for the Hauschka, the second year kicker out of North Carolina State, after he pushed yet another perceivable chip shot to the left and also had an extra point blocked.
It was his fourth missed field goal of the season which dropped his field goal percentage below 70% (9-13). Considering the league average on the year is 81% (407-502) a change is needed for the Ravens if they want to make noise in the ultra-tough AFC North.
A replacement will be announced in the upcoming days. An assortment of names have been floated out as possibilities including for veterans like Mike Nugent and Billy Cundiff. While their successes have varied, they both can say that they kicked for two of the most intimidating fan bases in the NFL (Jets and Cowboys, respectively). Another possibility is a name most Ravens fans are familiar with: Graham Gano. Gano battled Hauschka in training camp but had his only inconsistencies leading to his release. He has since had success in the unsuccessful UFL; making 9 of 11 field goals with a long of 51 yards. One thing is for sure, the UFL is not the NFL.
The eventual replacement might just happen to be coming to Baltimore by way of Indianapolis this week when the Ravens take on the Colts. Matt Stover, who is a big reason why Ravens fans were so impatient with Hauschka, will be returning wearing blue and white.
Stover is 6-6 so far for the Colts, performing spot duty while Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri recovers from knee surgery. When Vinatieri is fully recovered (he is set to return around Thanksgiving) the Colts will have to settle for just one of the two closest things the NFL currently has to Hall of Fame kickers. Stover is expected to be the one sent packing, but the Ravens would be glad to have either one of them making clutch kicks down the stretch.
Just hope it isn't too late by then.
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