Patriots’ Kicking Conundrum
The New England Patriots find themselves in a challenging predicament as they grapple with their decision to invest a sixth-round pick on kicker Andres Borregales. Unfortunately for the franchise, Borregales’ introduction to the NFL has not gone as envisioned, casting doubt on the team’s foresight.
A Rocky Start for Borregales
In his inaugural game during Week 1, Borregales faced immediate pressure and missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. That early setback was compounded in Week 2 when he failed to convert extra points following each of the Patriots’ first two touchdowns. The struggles have been stark and unforgiving, leaving many to question the wisdom of the Patriots’ choice.
The Missed Opportunity with Romo
What makes the situation even more difficult for New England is the knowledge that they had the option to sign Parker Romo, a player who has proven himself capable in the league. During training camp, the Patriots opted to part ways with Romo, a decision that now looms large as he prepares to kick for the Atlanta Falcons in their Sunday Night Football matchup. Romo replaces Younghoe Koo and has demonstrated his worth as an NFL kicker, having successfully converted 11 of 12 field goals for the Minnesota Vikings last season.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots ponder their next steps, the question of how long they can afford to stick with Borregales remains. The early indications suggest that he may not have the reliability needed at this level, especially when considering Romo’s proven track record. The pressure is on for the Patriots to make a decision that could impact their season moving forward.