Jeremy Fowler, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn. –
MANKATO, Minn. — Mike Priefer recommended to Vikings higher-ups that the team move on from kicker Ryan Longwell, the special teams coach said Thursday, Aug. 2.
The Vikings released the successful kicker May 7, less than two weeks after drafting kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round.
“You hate to do that to any veteran,” Priefer said. “I just felt like I recommend we do what we did. Rick (Spielman) and Leslie (Frazier) are all on the same page. … For the future of this football team, kickoff-wise and even field-goal wise, I thought it was the best move.”
Drafting Walsh raised questions because of Longwell’s reliability as a scorer, topping the NFL after hitting 43 of 46 attempts (93.5 percent) from 2009-10. But Longwell slipped in accuracy last season (22 of 28, 78.6 percent) and entered the second year of a four-year, $12-million extension. Walsh, despite some accuracy concerns (21 of 35 as a senior at Georgia), has a booming leg that has been on display during camp.
Many of Walsh’s kickoffs land well past the back of the end zone, and Priefer said he sleeps better at night knowing he can consistently force opponents to start drives at the 20.
The Vikings also have slowed down Walsh’s approach to the ball after the snap. The Vikings believe his quick trigger contributed to his problems at Georgia.
Upon Longwell’s release, Priefer played phone tag with the 15-year veteran until they eventually texted back and forth.
“Ryan Longwell is a good
person,” Priefer said. “It’s a tough deal because he’s been a great kicker in this league for a long time.”
