The Arizona Cardinals new kicker, Phil Dawson should be able to get the job done
One of the biggest areas in 2016 that plagued the Arizona Cardinals was the special teams play. It was a mixture of blowing coverage on kickoffs and punts, bad snaps, bad holds, and especially bad kicks. On the first day of free agency, the Cardinals let 26 year old Chandler Catanzaro walk, and signed 42 year old Phil Dawson.
The Cardinals instantly aged 16 years at the kicker position. They decided to move on from hopeful, young, and a bright future, to experienced, old and consistent. Arizona needed to win games in 2016, and were set up to have one of the best seasons ever, and were a popular pick to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. The inexperience at kicker, snapper, and holding was a big piece in finishing a disappointing 7-8-1.
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Phil Dawson will fill in nicely at the kicking position. He has shown consistency over his entire 18 year career, most recently in 2016 with the 49ers. He missed one extra point and 3 field goals last season. This is a step up from the 7 missed field goals and 4 extra points last season by Catanzaro. His 85% field goal percentage in 2016 is also a step up from Catanzaro’s surprisingly off year with a 75% percentage.
In his introductory press conference, Dawson admired the Cardinals and seemed excited about the opportunity to play in Arizona
"Great organization, one that I’ve played against for awhile; have a lot of respect for. A head coach that I’ve worked with before who I love. Great team who’s ready to win now. Tremendous environment to play in. Great fans. Great city. Great weather. The list goes on and on, so it really is, the better question is why not.”"
Acquiring Dawson was a small, but important, addition to the Cardinals in 2017. It should take some pressure off Arians, knowing he has consistency every time the Dawson is lined up to kick. It will take an off-season for Dawson to get to know his snapper and holder, which is key in the kicking process. Hopefully Dawson comes into Arizona and does what he has done his whole career. If so, he will definitely fit in just fine.