Rodrigo Blankenship Deserves Another Shot in the NFL: A Strong Case for the Talented Kicker’s Return to the League
Rodrigo Blankenship, once an impressive collegiate kicker and former NFL player, has become a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. His career, which showed promise early on, was not without its ups and downs. After showing remarkable talent during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Blankenship’s departure from the NFL raised questions about what went wrong and whether he deserves another chance at playing professionally. This article makes the case for why Blankenship should be given another opportunity to prove himself at the highest level of football.
Blankenship’s story began with great promise at the University of Georgia. His college career was marked by consistency, confidence, and clutch performances. During his time with the Bulldogs, Blankenship set multiple records, including the school’s all-time record for field goals made. He also became known for his trademark glasses, which added to his unique persona and appeal. His college success caught the attention of NFL scouts, and it wasn’t long before he found himself on an NFL roster.
In 2020, Blankenship entered the NFL as a rookie with the Indianapolis Colts, and it seemed like the league had found a promising kicker. His debut season was impressive; he finished with a strong 86.5% accuracy on field goals, and his long of 53 yards showed that he had the range to contribute to his team in critical moments. Blankenship had a knack for delivering under pressure, which is a rare and vital trait for any kicker. His performances gave the Colts confidence that they had found a reliable kicker for the future.
However, despite his early success, Blankenship’s time with the Colts was not without setbacks. The 2021 season was a difficult one for him, as he faced a series of struggles. Perhaps the most notable moment came in the opening week of the season when Blankenship missed an extra point and a key field goal attempt against the Seattle Seahawks. The missed opportunities ultimately cost the Colts the game, and it seemed to set the tone for what would become a challenging season. The pressure on him began to mount, and it seemed like his confidence began to take a hit as well.
Following those early struggles, Blankenship was placed on injured reserve due to a hip injury, which limited his ability to stay consistent. The Colts, in need of reliability, decided to move on from him after the season. This decision was a hard one to swallow for Blankenship, but it’s important to understand the context of what happened during his tenure with Indianapolis. NFL teams often look for the most consistent and dependable players, and when a kicker struggles, the margin for error is razor-thin. The Colts, seeing Blankenship’s potential but also his inconsistencies, made the decision to go in a different direction.
Despite this setback, Blankenship’s skill set hasn’t gone away. His leg strength, accuracy on long kicks, and mental toughness all remain strong points in his favor. Many might argue that a kicker’s performance is largely dependent on his mental state, especially when playing under the immense pressure that comes with game-winning situations. Blankenship has demonstrated that he can handle the pressure, as evidenced by his college career and some of his clutch moments in the NFL. Given that he has already proven his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, it’s clear that he still has the tools to succeed at the NFL level.
The kicker position is often one of the most volatile in the NFL. Teams constantly cycle through kickers as they search for stability, and yet, many find themselves returning to familiar faces in times of need. If we take a closer look at Blankenship’s overall career numbers, it’s clear that his one bad season should not define him. His accuracy on field goals still ranks highly among NFL kickers, and his ability to kick from long distances remains one of his strongest assets. It’s not unusual for kickers to have a difficult season and then come back strong, as the mental aspect of the game is often what separates successful kickers from those who struggle.
Moreover, the NFL’s evolution in recent years has made the kicker position even more critical than before. As teams become more offensively proficient, games are often decided by a few points, and the kicker can become the hero or the villain. Having a dependable kicker is essential for teams hoping to make deep playoff runs. Blankenship, with his experience and proven ability to execute in the clutch, could be the missing piece for a team looking to solidify its special teams unit.
The market for kickers in the NFL is always fluid, with teams constantly evaluating their options. For Blankenship, this opens up a potential avenue for a return to the league. As teams look for kickers who can consistently execute on both field goals and extra points, Blankenship’s track record speaks for itself. The chance to prove that he can return to his 2020 form, where he showed promise, should be an opportunity that Blankenship is given. While he may have experienced a bump in the road with the Colts, that should not be the end of his journey in the NFL.
In terms of his potential fit with other teams, Blankenship offers a lot. His familiarity with pressure situations, his leg strength, and his previous success in the league make him an attractive option for teams that need a reliable kicker. Whether it’s a team in need of a backup kicker or a team willing to give him another shot as a starter, Blankenship has the ability to earn a place on an NFL roster.
Blankenship’s journey also serves as a reminder that many successful NFL players have faced adversity early in their careers. A bad season doesn’t always reflect a player’s true talent or potential. Blankenship, who came into the league with high expectations, has the skills to overcome the challenges that came his way. He deserves the chance to get back on the field and show the world that he can still be a valuable contributor in the NFL.
Many NFL teams have shown that they are willing to take risks on players who have had a rough patch but still have potential. Blankenship, given the opportunity to refine his skills and regain his confidence, could be an asset for a team in need of a steady kicker. The reality of the NFL is that players often go through periods of adversity, and it is how they respond that defines their careers. Blankenship’s response to the struggles he faced with the Colts is critical in determining whether he can come back and have a successful second act in the NFL.
In conclusion, Rodrigo Blankenship’s career may have hit a rough patch, but it’s far from over. His talents as a kicker are undeniable, and his ability to perform in pressure-packed moments is a skill that many teams would value. As the NFL season progresses and teams evaluate their special teams units, Blankenship deserves another shot. His strong leg, proven accuracy, and mental toughness are assets that could prove vital to a team looking to solidify its kicker position. It’s time for the NFL to give Rodrigo Blankenship another opportunity to show that he can once again be one of the league’s most dependable kickers.
