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PK Shaun Suisham, Washington Redskins
HT: 6-0, WT: 199, Born: 12-29-1981, College: Bowling Green, Drafted: ---
2008 Projections
Best Case
In 2005 Suisham was an undrafted rookie and signed with Pittsburgh. After they released him in August, he landed on Dallas' practice squad. He ended up playing in several games for the Cowboys in his first two years, going 4 of 6 on field goals and adding 10 PATs. The Redskins began 2006 with John Hall. After he got his annual injury, they brought back Nick Novak for six games. They eventually picked up Cowboys' castoff Suisham for the final five games. He showed promise, hitting 8 of 9 field goals and all of his 12 PAT attempts. His only miss was from 50 yards. He showed that he does have the ability to make the critical long ones however, with a 52 yard game tying kick late in the fourth quarter against St. Louis. Last year was Suisham's first full season of his three years in the NFL. He hit 29 of 35 (82.9%) on field goals, including 11 of 15 from 40+ yards, and added 29 PATs. In week one he kicked a 39 yard game winner in overtime to beat the Dolphins. Against the Jets, he was 5 of 5 on field goals including a 46 yard game winner in overtime. If Suisham continues to develop, he'll again be a serviceable fantasy kicker in 2008.
Worst Case
When Suisham misses, it is usually to the left. Five of his six missed field goals and his missed PAT attempt last year were all wide left. Suisham doesn't have the strongest leg. His other missed field goal last year came up short from 47 yards. On kickoffs he did have six touchbacks; however his 58.4 yard average was very low/short. The biggest question for 2008 revolves around the coaching staff. Joe Gibbs and Al Saunders are gone. Jim Zorn takes over as head coach and Sherman Smith as the offensive coordinator. Both have plenty of experience as positional coaches, but not in overseeing the whole program. If the new offensive system has growing pains, Suisham's opportunities will dwindle.
Outlook
From 200 to 2006, The Redskins ranked in the bottom half of the league in kicker scoring (27th, 27th, 29th, 18th, 27th, 18th, & 28th). They have not ranked in the top ten since 1999. The last time they were in the top five, Joe Gibbs was coach (the first stint) and Chip Lohmiller was the kicker. Nonetheless, they did show improvement last year, climbing back into the top half of the league with 116 points and a 13th place ranking in kicker scoring. For 2008, a step backwards is probably the more likely scenario. Even if Suisham improves as young kicker, chances are he will not see 35 field goal attempts again this year under the rookie coaching staff.
