Chris Boswell: The Steelers' Unsung Hero or Unreliable Kicker?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history of producing talented players who have made significant contributions to the team's success. However, one position that often flies under the radar is the kicker. Chris Boswell, the Steelers' current kicker, has been a member of the team since 2014 and has been a steady presence on the special teams unit. But is he a reliable kicker, or has his career been marked by inconsistency and controversy?

As a kicker, Boswell's job is to make high-pressure kicks in crucial situations, such as game-winning field goals and touchbacks. He has had his share of successes, but also has struggled with accuracy and consistency at times. In this article, we will examine Boswell's career, his strengths and weaknesses, and whether he is truly a reliable kicker for the Steelers.

Career Highlights and Lowlights

Early Years

Chris Boswell was drafted by the Steelers in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was seen as a potential replacement for Shaun Suisham, the team's kicker from 2009 to 2013. Boswell had a solid rookie season, making 18 of 22 field goal attempts and becoming the team's starting kicker.

Inconsistency and Controversy

However, Boswell's career has not been without controversy. In 2015, he missed several crucial kicks, including a 41-yard attempt in a playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This miss cost the Steelers the game, and Boswell's confidence was shaken. Since then, he has struggled with consistency, making just 70% of his field goal attempts in 2017 and 2018.

Improvements and Comebacks

Despite the struggles, Boswell has shown flashes of brilliance. In 2019, he made 35 of 37 field goal attempts and became one of the top kickers in the NFL. He also made several clutch kicks, including a 52-yard attempt in a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Boswell has a strong leg and can make kicks from 50+ yards out.
• He is accurate on short and medium-range kicks.
• Boswell is a hard worker and has shown a willingness to adapt to the Steelers' game plan.

Weaknesses:

• Boswell has struggled with consistency, particularly on longer kicks.
• He has a history of missing crucial kicks in high-pressure situations.
• Boswell's technique has been questioned at times, leading to accusations of being over-the-top or lacking proper form.

Current Situation

As of the 2022 season, Boswell is still the Steelers' starting kicker. However, his contract is set to expire after the 2022 season, and there are rumors that the team may look to sign a new kicker.

Salary Cap and Contract Situation

Boswell currently earns a base salary of $1.5 million per year. However, his contract also includes incentives, which can significantly impact his total compensation. If Boswell meets certain criteria, such as making a certain number of field goals or kickoffs, he can earn an additional $500,000 to $1 million.

Roster Depth and Competition

The Steelers have several young kickers on their practice squad, including Matt Buschelman and Wilbert Parks. Both players have shown promise in limited action, but Boswell remains the starter. However, the team's coaching staff has expressed confidence in the young kickers and has hinted at giving them more opportunities.

Impact on the Team

Special Teams Performance

Boswell's performance on special teams has been a mixed bag. On the one hand, he has made several crucial touchbacks and kickoff returns. On the other hand, his inconsistency has led to missed opportunities and long returns for the opposing team.

Overall Impact

Despite the highs and lows, Boswell's presence on the team has had a significant impact on the Steelers' special teams unit. He has brought a level of excitement and unpredictability to the position, and his willingness to take on high-pressure kicks has given the team a chance to win games.

Comparison to Other Kickers

Comparison to Other Steelers Kickers

Boswell has often been compared to other Steelers kickers, such as Shaun Suisham and Matt Bryant. However, his career trajectory has been different from his predecessors. While Suisham had a successful career with the Steelers, Boswell has struggled with consistency. Bryant, on the other hand, has had a solid career with the team, but his playing style has been different from Boswell's.

Comparison to Other NFL Kickers

Boswell's performance is often compared to other top kickers in the NFL. Players like Justin Tucker and Harrison Butker have consistently made high-pressure kicks, while others, such as Mason Crosby, have struggled with consistency. Boswell's career trajectory falls somewhere in the middle.

Conclusion

Chris Boswell's career has been marked by inconsistency and controversy. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his reliability has been questioned at times. However, his strong leg and accurate short-range kicks have made him a valuable asset to the Steelers. As his contract expires, the team will need to decide whether to sign a new kicker or stick with Boswell. One thing is certain, however: Boswell's presence on the team has brought a level of excitement and unpredictability to the position.

Factors to Consider

• Boswell's consistency and reliability.
• His ability to make high-pressure kicks.
• His salary cap situation and contract incentives.
• The team's roster depth and competition at the kicker position.

Future Outlook

The future of Chris Boswell's career is uncertain. If he can maintain his level of performance and consistency, he may have a long career