NFL world reacts to struggling kicker’s brutal misses

If the Cleveland Browns and their fans weren’t concerned about kicker Cade York heading into training camp, they certainly are after Thursday’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Officially, York was good on four of five tries, going 3-for-4 on field goals and making his one extra-point attempt. But things were actually worse than that.

With just under two minutes remaining, the Bills sent York and the field goal team out for a 47-yard attempt, hoping to break an 18-18 tie. York missed, pushing the kick right, but also got a reprieve. The Eagles were penalized for an illegal formation, as Olive Sagapolu lined up in front of the center. But the second chance turned out to be even worse for York, as he missed it too. And while his 47-yard attempt was wide right, this one went the other way, with York pulling it left.

These misses triggered alarms from football fans that there may be a serious problem with York.

good to see the Cade York optimism lasted like an hour https://t.co/iNHhfU4jQU

— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) August 18, 2023

York’s career got off to a roaring start when he nailed a 58-yard kick with eight seconds left, giving the Browns a 26-24 over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 of the 2022 season.

Since then, it’s been a different story. York finished the 2022 season 24-for-32 on field goals and 35-for-37 on extra-point tries. It’s been no better in the preseason.

York missed a 49-yarder in the Hall of Fame Game, then missed from 46 in his lone field goal attempt against the Washington Commanders in Cleveland’s second preseason game. Things were already shaky heading into the preseason and have only gotten worse since.

It would not be at all surprising if the Browns made a change after Thursday’s game. If that doesn’t happen, it’s certainly being thought about and York will likely be on a short leash going forward.