Falcons bolster kicking competition with rookie Ben Sauls ahead of Commanders showdown
The Atlanta Falcons are making strategic moves as they prepare for their Week 4 clash against the Washington Commanders. Following a lackluster performance from kicker Parker Romo in the previous game against the Carolina Panthers, the team has decided to add rookie kicker Ben Sauls to their roster.
Sauls joins the practice squad
In a recent announcement on the Falcons’ official website, the franchise confirmed the signing of Sauls, who will be joining the practice squad. This decision highlights the team’s urgency to find consistency in their kicking game.
Sauls, an undrafted rookie out of the University of Pittsburgh, boasts an impressive collegiate record. Over five years with the Panthers, he converted 52 of 64 field goal attempts, achieving an accuracy rate of 81.3%. Furthermore, his success on extra points is noteworthy: he made 122 of 124 attempts, resulting in a remarkable 98.4% success rate.
A standout collegiate career
During his senior season, Sauls truly shined, earning a spot on the Third-team All-ACC roster. He successfully made 21 of 24 field goals, which included an impressive six out of seven attempts from over 50 yards. His six successful kicks from that distance set a school record, while his longest field goal of 58 yards matched the program’s top distance.
After going undrafted this spring, Sauls was briefly signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. While there, he served as a backup to veteran kicker Chris Boswell. In three preseason games, he converted five of six field goal attempts and successfully made all six of his extra-point tries. His only miss came on a 43-yard attempt.
Transitioning to the Falcons
Despite his solid preseason performance, Sauls was waived by the Steelers after training camp. Reports indicated that the Steelers attempted to trade him before ultimately deciding to release him. This left Sauls available, and the Falcons seized the opportunity to bring him into the fold.
As the Falcons gear up for their upcoming game against the Commanders, the addition of Sauls adds a layer of competition that could prove crucial in refining Atlanta’s kicking strategy. With the pressure mounting, both Sauls and the team will be eager to showcase their precision on the field.
