Chicago Bears: 6 kickers to keep an eye on in preseason

5. Greg Joseph

Another Browns kicker that’s been battling for a starting job, Greg Joseph spent 14 games kicking for the Browns in 2019. Joseph did impress in 2018 as he was automatic when it came to kicking field goals from distances under 40 yards.

It is, however, worth noting that when it came to kicking field goals that were from distances of 40 or more yards in 2018, Joseph was six for nine with his longest converted field goal being from 51 yards.

Considering he hit 85 percent of his field goals last year, it’s odd that Joseph is one name that’s been listed at a potential kicker who could get cut this year. During his first year as a pro, he was more than serviceable but just needs to be more consistent in two areas.

First, Joseph needs to work on hitting field goals from 40 or more yards. In stadiums like Soldier Field, this is especially tough as the weather conditions in November and December are not ideal for kickers.

Second, the entire NFL knows what a kick from 40 or more yards means to the Bears. When it comes to kicks from such a distance, the Bears won’t accept anything less than a clean kick right down the middle, between both uprights.

Considering Joseph has a year of kicking experience in Cleveland, it’s clear that he can kick in Soldier Field if needed, however, he will still need to get properly adjusted to a stadium that is considered to be one of the hardest venues for a kicker in the NFL.