Arizona Cardinals Create Kicking Competition
By Scott Allen
Dec 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter (5) kicks a field goal as Brandon Fields (2) holds during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apparently what is not good for the quarterback position is just fine for kickers under new Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians. Today the Cards signed kicker Dan Carpenter, freshly cut by the Miami Dolphins. He comes into camp creating a competition with incumbent kicker Jay Feely. Ironically, it was Carpenter that took Feely’s job in 2008 as a rookie in Miami.
Word is that the Cards may keep both kickers for awhile and let both of them duke it out for a spot. Does that mean that the competition flows into the regular season? It sure sounds like a possibility. What’s interesting here is there is competition here. Back when the Cardinals signed Drew Stanton at quarterback, then traded for Carson Palmer, Arians immediately said there would be no competition for the starting quarterback position. The job belonged to Palmer. He made it sound like he was ready to shy away from any controversy.
Now, some wonder the timing of this move. Feely actually looked better this past week against the Dallas Cowboys than he did in preseason week one against the Green Bay Packers. I’m curious which position sees one fewer roster spot on the opening day roster should in fact the Cards go with two kickers early on?
If accuracy matters, then Feely wins, at least in 2012. He hit 89 percent of his field goal attempts. Carpenter hit 81 percent. It’s all about what have you done for me lately though. Plus Arians has wanted to put his own print on this team and Feely is one of the few carry overs from the Ken Whisenhunt era. My best guess is Carpenter will ultimately win the job. Personally I’m fine with keeping Feely. This could also just be a move to push Feely a little bit and send a message. However signing a veteran like Carpenter means it could be more than that.