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PK Jason Elam, Atlanta Falcons
HT: 5-11, WT: 200, Born: 3-8-1970, College: Hawaii, Drafted: Round 3
2008 Projections
Best Case
The last two years, the Falcons had to bail out their placekicking by bringing in an old kicker with an impressive record setting resume but who no longer handled kickoffs (a.k.a. Morten Andersen). This year they splurged in free agency to sign Jason Elam, who fits the same description. To have a solid year, Elam will need to pick up where he left off the last two years, which were the most accurate of his NFL career. Last year he hit 87.1% (27 of 31) and in 2006 he had a career high 93.1% (27 of 29). He would also need the new look Atlanta offense to provide the ample kicking opportunities to which he grew accustomed in Denver. He has scored over 100 points in each of his 15 years in the NFL.
Worst Case
Elam's career field goal average is 80.6%. If you believe in trends, patterns, or regressions to means, then a dip down to or below that is a distinct possibility for this year. The biggest area of concern for Elam's scoring potential this year is the surrounding offense. Atlanta once again has a new coaching staff, including Mike Smith at head coach and Mike Mularkey at offensive coordinator. The offense will include new starters at key positions, including QB and RB. All that adds up to a strong chance for minimal scoring for Elam.
Outlook
For a change, the Falcons know who their kicker will be this year long before the season starts. The 2006 off-season and pre-season saw the likes of Ryan Rossner, Zac Derr, Tony Yelk, Seth Marler, Carlos Martinez, and Michael Koenen compete for the job. In 2007, Billy Cundiff, Aaron Elling, and Matt Prater were early contenders that didn't pan out. Elam joins a team that has ranked in the bottom half of the league in kicker scoring in four of the last five years. On a hopeful note, new OC Mike Mularkey has served as a HC or OC for various teams during six years of his NFL career. His kickers always scored at least 100 points and averaged 113 points during those years. Despite his advancing age, the Denver was not afraid to let Elam try field goals from long distance. His 37 career 50+ yard field goals are second all-time behind Morten Andersen. He also shares the record for the longest field goal in NFL history (63 yards). He's excellent from very short distance, having missed a PAT on average only once every 4.9 years. He shares the NFL record of 371 consecutive PATs made. Back in 2002 Elam relinquished kickoff duties to the punter. His kickoffs were okay, however his accuracy on placekicking improved thereafter. Atlanta re-signed punter and kickoff specialist Michael Koenen.
