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Kansas City Chiefs trade L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee Titans

The Kansas City Chiefs trade L'Jarius Sneed for minimal compensation.

Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft Hat May Hint At New Uniform Design [Photos]

Could the Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft hat hint at what the new unis will look like?

Former Detroit Tigers OF Robbie Grossman signs with Chicago White Sox

Robbie Grossman signs a minor-league contract with the White Sox.

Matt Prater: Best kicker in NFL?

As Lions fans, there have been very few things that make us feel comfortable throughout a game over the years. Thankfully, the kicking game is and has been something that generally puts our minds at ease, and that’s all thanks to one person: Matt Prater.

For the first time since Jason Hanson retired, there is a sense of calmness when the kicking team takes the field. Prater, affectionately called “Mr. Money in the Bank” from play-by-play voice Dan Millercurrently ranks ninth overall among NFL kickers in points scored this season with 25. What that stat doesn’t tell you is his efficiency. He has nailed all seven of his extra point attempts, and has also drilled all six of the field goal attempts he has taken. Despite the fact that we’re only three games into the season, Prater has also accomplished history already.

Four of his six attempts so far this season have been from 55 or more yards, and he’s buried each one of them. Although there are three kickers who have made more field goals than Prater while also maintaining a 100% clip (Matt BryantGreg Zuerlein, and Graham Gano), none have enjoyed the same amount of success from 50 or more yards out. Since the beginning of last season, Prater has nailed all 11 of his attempts from 50 or more yards. Since his arrival in Detroit in 2014, he has hit 80 of his 92 attempts overall.

Also adding credibility to his resume was his ability to jump in and take over punting duties in the first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. When Kasey Redfern went down with an injury, Prater was forced into double duty. He capably took the reigns of the extra task, punting four times for a total of 139 yards.

This all begs the question: is Prater the best kicker in the NFL? I suppose the answer to that question completely depends on your criteria. In his defense though, you’d be pretty hard pressed to find another kicker in the league who has a better looking resume.

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Shae Brophy
Shae Brophy
Born and raised Michigander. Former mixed martial artist, currently attempting to figure out how to golf without embarrassing myself. Very passionate Michigan sports fan. Wolverines, Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons and Lions. Life is good as a fan of Michigan sports!

Kansas City Chiefs trade L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee Titans

The Kansas City Chiefs trade L'Jarius Sneed for minimal compensation.

Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft Hat May Hint At New Uniform Design [Photos]

Could the Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft hat hint at what the new unis will look like?

Former Detroit Tigers OF Robbie Grossman signs with Chicago White Sox

Robbie Grossman signs a minor-league contract with the White Sox.