Dicker the Kicker: A Second Chance for Redemption with the Chargers

The Redemption Arc of Dustin Hopkins

Dustin Hopkins, the long-time Chargers kicker, is back with the team after being released earlier this season. With kicker Cameron Dicker struggling, the Chargers are hoping that Hopkins can provide some stability and consistency to their special teams unit. Hopkins has been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL over the past few seasons, and he is hoping to prove that he is still a valuable asset to any team.

Hopkins was drafted by the Chargers in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He quickly became the team's starting kicker and was a key part of their success in the 2018 season, when they reached the AFC Divisional Round. However, Hopkins struggled in 2019 and 2020, and he was released by the Chargers in August of 2021. Hopkins signed with the Washington Football Team, but he was released again after just one season.

Hopkins' Strengths and Weaknesses

Hopkins is a very accurate kicker, especially on field goals. He has made 89.1% of his field goals in his career, which is fifth-best among active kickers. Hopkins is also very good at kicking long field goals. He has made 11 field goals of 50 yards or more in his career, which is tied for 10th-most among active kickers.

However, Hopkins has struggled with consistency in recent years. He missed 12 field goals in 2019 and 2020, which was the most among all NFL kickers. Hopkins also struggled with extra points in 2020, missing four attempts.

Can Hopkins Bounce Back?

It remains to be seen whether Hopkins can bounce back from his struggles and regain his previous form. He is now 31 years old, and kickers typically start to decline in their early 30s. However, Hopkins is still very talented, and he has shown that he can be one of the best kickers in the NFL when he is at his best.

The Chargers are hoping that Hopkins can provide them with some stability and consistency at the kicker position. Dicker has struggled this season, making just 67.9% of his field goals. If Hopkins can return to his previous form, he could be a valuable asset to the Chargers and help them make a run in the playoffs.

Conclusion

Dustin Hopkins is a very talented kicker, but he has struggled with consistency in recent years. The Chargers are hoping that he can bounce back from his struggles and regain his previous form. If he can, he could be a valuable asset to the team and help them make a run in the playoffs.

Only time will tell whether Hopkins can live up to the expectations of the Chargers and their fans. But one thing is for sure: he is a talented kicker who has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL.