According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Cleveland Browns have decided to sign former Miami Dolphins kicker Greg Joseph. Joseph will likely take the starting job from second-year kicker Zane Gonzalez.
Source: The #Browns are signing kicker Greg Joseph after today’s workout. Formerly of the #Dolphins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2018
Gonzalez made 96 field goals while attending Arizona State in college, making him the all-time leader on the NCAA Division I field goal list. However, he hasn't played like the same player that earned this honor. He was selected as a seventh-rounder in the 2017 NFL Draft and made 15 of 20 field goal attempts for the Browns last season. This year, Gonzalez has missed three of his first five field goal attempts in two close games.
The Browns gave Gonzalez a chance to beat the Steelers in Week 1, but his game-winning kick was blocked by T.J. Watt. The game ended in a 21-21 tie. Last week, Gonzalez cost his team 8 points in a 21-18 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He missed two field goals and two extra point attempts in the game, extending his team's losing streak to 631 days. Gonzalez says he is to blame for his performance, via Pat McManamon of ESPN.
“It's on me 100 percent,” Gonzalez said. “I can't be too mad at myself because I'm the one that did it, you know what I mean? I can't blame it on [anybody] else. It sucks because we were so close to that win, and it's been so long. I just let everybody down.”
Signing Joseph may sure up their kicking in crucial late-game situations. Maybe hearing this news will light a fire under Gonzalez and make him perform. Needless to say, Gonzales should be ready to compete this week, or he may find himself without a team soon.
Follow Us
Subscribe