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PK Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears
HT: 6-0, WT: 183, Born: 12-6-1982, College: Penn State, Drafted: ---
2008 Projections
Best Case
When the Bears were looking for a replacement for Doug Brien several games into the 2005 season, Gould impressed them in tryouts over four other kickers, including veterans Martin Gramatica and Steve Christie. The undrafted free agent out of Penn State had spent the preseason under the tutelage of Adam Vinatieri in New England. In his 13 games played, he was 21 of 27 on Field goals (77.8%), and added 19 of 20 on PATs. In 2006 he surprised many with a huge year. He was 32 of 36 on field goals (88.9%), and perfect on 47 PATs. In 2007 he did nearly as well on field goals hitting 31 of 36 (86.1%), however PATs dropped down to 33. Obviously pleased with his results, the Bears gave him to a five year contract extension in May and made him one of the highest paid kickers in the league. If the offense continues to generate a high number of field goal attempts, and can add a few more TDs to go along with Devin Hester's return TDs, then Gould would remain a top ten kicker.
Worst Case
Unless Gould is the new Matt Stover, it is statistically unlikely that the high number of field goal attempts will continue each year. The NFL average is just under 30 attempts per year. If a drop off in field goal attempts occurs, then Gould would most likely drop out of the top ten. Also, we noted last year Gould is a team player. In the words of head coach Lovie Smith, "Robbie's one of the guys. A lot of times kickers aren't. He has earned his respect a few different ways."
Outlook
Gould's range was suspect after his rookie year when he hit only 3 of 8 field goals in the 40 to 49 yard range. He put those worries to rest the last two years, going 12 of 14 from that range in both 2006 and 2007. He finally got his first NFL career field goal attempts from 50+ yards last year, however he missed them both. Gould's kickoffs were sub par during his rookie year. After improving significantly in his second year, he again struggled on kickoffs last year (59.5 yard average, 3 touchbacks). The Bears vaulted from 28th in kicker scoring in 2005 to first in 2006. In 2007 they avoided the huge drop-off that many teams experience after a big year. They remained in the top ten finishing 7th. For 2008, the coaching staff remains intact. Whether the offense can once again provide Gould with significant scoring opportunities remains to be seen. Odds are that they won't.
