Minnesota Vikings training camp battles: Kicking competition
By Josh Clarke
Prediction: Kai Forbath
Mike Zimmer and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer undoubtedly have a hard decision to make. Do they try their luck with a wild-legged youngster with no NFL experience but bags of potential or the stick with the more accurate veteran with a lower ceiling?
Heading into training camp Koehn and Forbath were neck and neck. By all reports the competition in training camp continues to be close.
#Vikings kicker update:
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) July 29, 2017
Forbath and Koehn each made 3 of 4 field goals during team drills.
Koehn appears to have a slightly bigger leg than Forbath. But Kai a bit more accurate. Both missed their last long FG attempt. Wide left.
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) August 2, 2017
Both men clearly have a shot at becoming the Vikings’ opening day starter. But if the battle remains close throughout training camp and the preseason, I believe the Vikings will opt for the safest choice.
Next: Camp Battles: Replacing Greenway
Ultimately after the pain caused recently by a strong-legged, inaccurate kicker in Blair Walsh, it is natural to think that the coaching staff would select the more reliable option in Forbath.