DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Cowboys have had a kicking problem all season and it appears that the team's confidence in kicker Greg Zuerlein has waned as the season has gone on.
A day after head coach Mike McCarthy and special teams coordinator John Fassel publicly backed Zuerlein, team owner Jerry Jones spoke about the organization's concerns with their kicker on 105.3 The Fan.
"Absolutely it does," Jones said Tuesday on Shan and RJ when asked if Zuerlein's struggles have altered their game plan. "We're well aware (of it), and should be aware. That's part of running the show. “Zuerlein really brings a lot to the table. His leg strength, his touchbacks, his ability to be a threat at (long-range kicks). He has had an exceptionally tough year for him in extra points. But, he’s a sound kicker, experienced kicker, our guys are all sensitive about how to approach the game.”
The 10-year veteran kicker has missed six of 35 field-goal attempts and six of 48 extra-point tries in 2021. His 82.9 field goal percentage is fourth-worst among kickers who have attempted at least 30 kicks, and his 87.5 extra point percentage is last among all kickers this season.
Fassel said Monday that he believes Zuerlein's issues are mental rather than physical.
"I think it's just psychological, and there's actually something we're going to do to help him out a little bit that we talked about," Fassel said. "But yeah, I think the biggest part is having confidence that this thing is going right down the middle every time."
Meanwhile, McCarthy has no choice but to back his kicker at this point of the season with the limited kicking options available on the street.
"He has a very diligent work schedule that he follows. If anything, you have to watch that he doesn't do too much, would be the tendency," McCarthy said. "I have great confidence in him. He'll be ready to go Sunday."
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