Special Teams Player of the First Quarter: Matt Prater, Kicker
Matt Prater may be 39 years old, but he’s been stellar this season, converting 90% of his field goals. Prater also has 32 total points this season, putting him on pace for 136 in 2023.
In the Arizona Cardinals Week 4 win vs. the Dallas Cowboys, Prater showed off immaculate leg strength when he split the uprights on a 62-yard field goal. So while the Cardinals may be getting younger, Prater has shown us that he has plenty left in the tank. Look for him to continue making big kicks for the Cardinals in 2023, and don’t be surprised if he sticks around the desert for a while.
At this point, you can’t put a clock on Prater, as he looks like one of those kickers who could remain in the league (even if not in Arizona) if his leg remains strong. And if I’m the Cardinals, I’m not even holding a kicker competition unless Prater either leaves or shows some decline.