Position: Kicker
Height/Weight: 6’1″/212 lbs.
Age: 30/Experience: 6
College: Drake
Analysis: The Ravens signed Cundiff back on Nov. 18, 2009 to replace their struggling kicker at the time, Steve Hauschka. Cundiff had tried out for the team the week before, but was called back after Hauschka missed a 36-yard field goal and had a low extra point attempt blocked by Shaun Rogers of the Cleveland Browns. Cundiff is a veteran who is most remembered for his time with the Dallas Cowboys where he played in 53 games from 2002-05 and made 73.1 percent of his kicks. He tore his quadriceps in 2005 and was let go in an injury settlement shortly thereafter. He tried out for a couple teams after his recovery, but couldn’t make any of the rosters and had to spend two years out of football. The Browns signed Cundiff early last season when their kicker Phil Dawson injured his calf and he made all six of his field goal attempts from Weeks 3-7 and was 4-for-4 in extra points. Cundiff is known for having a strong leg, which is a big reason why he beat out former New York Jets kicker Mike Nugent for the Ravens’ job last season.
2010 Outlook: After joining the Ravens in Week 11 of last season, Cundiff made 12 of 17 field goal attempts and converted all 19 extra point tries. He made all three his field goal attempts in the preseason and looks ready for the upcoming season. His leg strength has never been a problem, but his accuracy could be a little better. He has a 73.6 career field goal percentage, which doesn’t quite qualify him as a dominant kicker. But he does have the experience factor that helps him in pressure-type situations. Hopefully the Ravens’ won’t have to work Cundiff too hard this season and they score touchdowns instead of field goals. And with their revamped offense, that seems very possible.
Submitted by Steve Giles
