The Titans are 8-6 and at least two of those losses are a direct result of poor kicking. Ryan Succop was taken off IR in October and since then, he is 1/6 on field goals and 24/25 on extra points.
It appears that Succop was never fully recovered because he has not been the same after his injury. Succop was well above average before the season and he is now struggling immensely. At this point, the Titans are on track to miss more field goals than they have made this season.
After Succop began to struggle, the Titans signed alternate kicker, Ryan Santoso. Santoso was brought in before the Colts game primarily to kick the ball into the endzone.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Titans released Santoso. With the Titans, Santoso was just 9/17 on touchbacks and had a horrendous onside kick attempt in Sundays game against the Texans. This does not come as a huge surprise to me because while he could be useful, it is more useful to add another kicker who can kick both touchbacks and field goals.
Hours after the release of Santoso, the Titans announced the signing of Greg Joseph. Joseph was signed off the Carolina Panthers practice squad and spent last season on the active roster of the Cleveland Browns. Joseph, 25, was 17/20 on field goals last season, going 11/11 inside of 40 yards and 6/9 from 41 or more yards. Joseph had a strong season last year and I am not entirely sure why the Browns did not retain him.
Kicking may be the difference between playoffs and not for the Titans this season. Special teams has made some great plays but kicking has not been up to par.
I like this move but I am not sure how the load will be managed between Ryan Succop and Greg Joseph. Since Succop was not placed on IR or replaced, I am afraid that Succop will remain the field goal kicker. Joseph may only be in charge of kickoffs but I hope he is given the chance to kick field goals, because Succop is not cutting it.
Hopefully this move will improve the Titans kicking situation and it will not be a factor for the remainder of the season.
very apt