Fansided

Vikings’ Blair Walsh to remain team’s kicker … for now

By Nick Stavrakis

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal during the third quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal during the third quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings flirted with some other kickers on Monday, but Walsh’s job seems to be safe.

The horrible nightmare that was Blair Walsh’s missed chip shot in the NFC Wild Card game continues to reoccur.

After a poor performance Sunday in which Walsh botched a field goal and extra point attempt, it looks as though the Vikings have surveyed other options.

It has been reported that Minnesota brought in six kickers to audition for them. They include:

If you’re Blair Walsh, this is the second worst feeling in the world. The reality of the matter is the NFL is a business, and he just hasn’t been getting it done. Through eight games thus far, Walsh is just 12 for 16 and holds the worst extra point conversion percentage in the league. Head coach Mike Zimmer has made his frustrations clear; it is no mystery that Walsh is on the hot seat.

Now, the fifth year kicker’s margin for error will be even slimmer going forward. Breaking a kicker out of a mental slump is no easy task, but Walsh is going to need to find a way in order to keep his job. With poor performances and rumors of being replaced, his confidence must be practically shattered at the moment.

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As the NFC playoff race heats up, the Vikings can ill afford to lose close games. Although Minnesota got off to a hot 5-0 start, this team has hit a midseason wall. Losers of their last three, the Vikings hardly resemble the team that started 2016 with a bang. With Green Bay and Detroit breathing down their necks in the NFC North, this team is going to have to put together some wins into December. If Walsh continues to be the deciding factor in tight games, he soon will be riding pine. Hopefully he can pick up the pieces.

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