By Dale Lolley
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
If the Steelers’ game Saturday were to come down to a field-goal kicking contest – and Steelers-Ravens games often do – it seems odd to say it, but they would have an advantage.
And it might be a big one.
That has never been the case in previous seasons, despite the Steelers’ Chris Boswell being one of the best in the league at the position.
But the Ravens have had Justin Tucker as their kicker since 2012. And he’s widely been considered the best kicker in NFL history. Until recently, that is.
Tucker has missed eight field goals and two extra points this season, including making only nine of his 17 attempts from 40 or more yards. Inside of 40 yards, he’s been perfect. But for one of the best long-distance kickers of all-time, it’s been a troubling trend. He’s made only 5 of 14 kicks from beyond 50 yards over the last two seasons.
Prior to that, when a team was playing the Ravens, if Baltimore got the ball across the 50-yard line needing a field goal, then the game was considered over.
Not anymore.
Now, Boswell just might be that guy.
With his two field goals last week in Philadelphia, Boswell broke his own team record of 36 field goals in a season. He entered this week’s games having made 38 of 41 kicks this season. His two misses have been from 58 and 61 yards, while another attempt was blocked through no fault of his own.
An argument could easily be made that Boswell is having the greatest season by a kicker in NFL history.
The NFL single-season record for field goals in a season is 44 by David Akers in 2011. But it took Akers 52 attempts to get to that total.
With three games remaining, Boswell could easily surpass that total and do so on far fewer kicks.
More impressively, Boswell is 41 of 50 on attempts from 50 or more yards in his career, including 11 of 13 this season. His 82 percent success rate is the best in NFL history for kickers who have at least 50 attempts from 50 yards and beyond. Matt Prater is No. 2 at 75 percent.
Tucker, meanwhile, is at 66 percent.
Boswell also has an opportunity to break the NFL’s single-season record for points by a kicker of 166 set by Akers in that 2011 season. He is currently at 144 points.
The idea is to score touchdowns, not kick field goals. But it’s always good to know that when you need a field goal, Boswell is as good as anyone. And he just might be the best in the game right now.
• All other kickers in Steelers history not named Chris Boswell are 27 of 84 on field goal attempts from 50 yards and beyond.
• Reports that the Pirates have made pitchers Mitch Keller and Jared Jones available in trade talks shouldn’t be all that surprising. And it also shouldn’t be a reason for fans to gnash their teeth.
Keller is what he is, a middle-of-the-rotation starter who is going to have a 4-something ERA at the end of every season.
Jones, meanwhile, had some big moments as a rookie, but he also broke down midway through the season because he’s not the biggest guy and generates a lot of his velocity through maximum effort.
The trade value for both might never be higher, especially given what’s available on the open market.
The Pirates also have a bevy of talented young arms in the minors who are ready, or close to ready, to make the jump to the majors.
If somebody wants to make a big offer for one of those players that includes some talented position players, the Pirates would be foolish not to at least listen to offers.
They need to generate more offense. And you don’t do that by sitting on your hands and not at least considering what’s available.
This week’s games
Steelers (plus 6½) at Ravens: Seriously, you’re going to give the Steelers nearly a touchdown in this game, in which 28 of the last 36 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less? Thanks. Oh, and the Steelers also have beaten Baltimore in eight of their past nine meetings and Lamar Jackson is 1-4 as a starter against them. Even with a loss, the Steelers would remain in first place in the AFC North, needing to win their final two games to clinch the division title. It just feels like that’s the way this will go. Take the Steelers to cover in a 24-20 loss.
Browns (minus 7) at Bengals: Cincinnati’s defense remains the worst unit in the NFL. But Joe Burrow and company have beaten up on the bad teams. And Jameis Winston has been benched in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Take the Bengals, 31-14.
Buccaneers (minus 4) at Cowboys: The Bucs need to keep winning to win their division title with the Falcons right on their tail. Their offense churned out a big win against the Chargers last week. They’ll do it again against the hobbled Cowboys. Take Atlanta, 34-24.
Titans (plus 4) at Colts: Indianapolis still has some slight playoff hopes. The Titans are going to Mason Rudolph at quarterback after finally coming to the realization that Will Levis isn’t the answer. Indianapolis has similar questions about Anthony Richardson. But at least he can run. Take the Colts, 24-17.
Eagles (minus 3½) at Commanders: The Eagles have now won 10 games in a row after beating the Steelers last week. The Steelers beat them up a little bit, with three offensive linemen leaving that game with injuries. But they should be OK to go in this one. And with the No. 1 seed in the NFC in play, look for Philadelphia to keep the pedal to the metal. Take the Eagles, 31-16.
Bonus pick: The Steelers will play the Chiefs on Christmas Day at Acrisure Stadium. Kansas City has been living on the edge all season, largely because the Chiefs tackles can’t block anyone. That led to Patrick Mahomes suffering a high ankle sprain last weekend. Bad tackles working against the Steelers with a hobbled quarterback doesn’t sound good. Take the Steelers to beat the Chiefs, 24-16.
Last week: 3-2 ATS, 3-2 straight up
Overall: 44-32 ATS; 53-23 straight up
Dale Lolley hosts The Drive on Steelers Nation Radio and writes a Sunday column for the Observer-Reporter.
