In a critical playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Dallas Cowboys scored a total of five touchdowns (all completed by Quarterback Dak Prescott) to beat the Bucs by a score of 31-14.
This was a great victory and the team played great, yet, there was one big problem that kept occurring. Kicker Brett Maher only scored one point in this game due to him missing four straight extra-point attempts.
This was a catastrophic failure on Maher’s part that would have led to a closer game if our offense didn’t perform as they did.
While it was rather upsetting to see him miss these simple kicks, I do remember how great he was during the season for us.
Seeing him nail 60-yard kicks like they are nothing was a spectacular trait he had, and still has. So, how does Brett Maher rebound from this disastrous performance?
Well, to start, I’d say get this man some practice.
Something obviously wasn’t right with Maher. Missing 4 extra points in a row isn’t a fluke. It means that something isn’t screwed on right.
Whether it is something that Maher is struggling with in his personal life or some issue between him and the team, he needs some practice on whatever it is.
Another great step to making sure this doesn’t happen again is adding a state of fear to the position.
Maher isn’t too worried about losing his job, after the Cowboys’ last kicker who I won’t name… Kicker Greg Zuerlein was a complete disgrace and Maher already knows he’s better than him.
That is why I completely support what the Cowboys did this Wednesday.
They signed Kicker Tristan Vizcaino to their practice squad as a backup. While Owner Jerry Jones has agreed to have Maher still start against the San Francisco 49ers, it indicates signs of pressure for Brett.
This small but important addition to the team will go a long way toward preventing Maher from becoming lazy with his kicks.
It’s embarrassing that with such a memorable game, one full of great performances and highlights that will be around for years, the main spotlight is on our kicker for missing four extra points.
Even after his abysmal play against Tampa, I am still very hopeful for Maher this weekend.
I know he will find his footing again and remind himself of all the killer field goals he made earlier in the year. I have much confidence in Brett and am eager to see his redemption arc against the 49ers.
As of now, I highly suggest that Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel sit down with Maher and speak about how this performance can never EVER happen again.
That said, I am still proud of Maher and his ability to kick all year long, it’s just, maybe he should screw his head on straight before coming out on the field next time.
