Dan Bailey – K
It’s tough saying this but all eyes should be on every extra point and field goal attempt Dan Bailey lines up to make this Friday night. Bailey made a very disappointing 75 percent of his field goals in 2018 and has had a shaky training camp so far.
The Vikings are a team that can’t afford to leave points on the field and need a kicker they can rely on if they are going to improve over that 8-7-1 mark from a season ago. It would work out great for the team and Bailey if he can get multiple field goal attempts in on Friday.
It would be extremely beneficial for him to get some short-range, mid-range, and maybe a deep attempt. This guy has to get over whatever was in his head a season ago. The only way he’ll be able to do that is to kick himself back into confidence.
If Bailey makes all of his attempts that’s great. If he struggles, the Vikings should begin to look for a new kicker.
There are plenty of options available including veterans like Matt Bryant, Mike Nugent, and Nick Novak. Bailey should be on a short leash the entire preseason and Friday night’s contest will be the first step in him regaining trust with the Vikings coaching staff and their entire fanbase.