Browns’ Kicker Makes 1st Declaration of Week 11 Disaster

The Cleveland Browns lost to the New Orleans Saints by 21 points in Week 11. So they clearly have bigger problems than kicking. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that Dustin Hopkins has performed at an uncanny level this season.

Hopkins entered Sunday’s contest having made 14 of 18 field goals and 10 of 12 extra point attempts. After missing just three field goals in 36 attempts last season, this was a big disappointment for Browns fans.

Things took an even grimmer turn on Sunday. After missing a 51-yard field goal earlier in the second quarter, Hopkins went wide just after a 27-yard chip shot just before the end of the first half.

After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski called Hopkins out and told him to start making those kicks.

Hopkins too addressed his struggleswho takes the blame for his misses, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal.

“I expect better from my teammates, I expect better for the city of Cleveland. It doesn’t feel good to be the weak link in a football game, and I certainly was today. So, in terms of form, I went a little bit at halftime, felt better with , where I was supposed to be, but it was too late.”

– Dustin Hopkins

This is especially disappointing since the Browns gave Hopkins a three-year, $15.9 million contract extension before the season. So far, the 34-year-old has been one of the worst kickers in the NFL. His 70% success rate on his field goal attempts ranks dead last among all kickers with a job right now.

While it’s admirable that Hopkins took responsibility for his performance, he needs to start kicking better over the next few weeks. Otherwise, his future with the franchise will be in jeopardy, and the Browns may have to start looking for a new option at kicker.

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