Steve Hauschka Takes Lead For Ravens' Kicker Job

I know very few people care, but he is a Needham guy, and there are a lot of Needham people that read this site...

"James Walker of ESPN's AFC North blog notes that Steven Hauschka may have opened up a lead with his performance on Monday night. Hauschka drilled a 42-yarder while Graham Gano missed a 45-yarder. While Hauschka leads after two preseason games, it's still possible that the team brings back long-time kicker Matt Stover if neither of the two others impresses them enough (ESPN)."

I watched this game last night, and Graham Gano did not come close to hitting that 45 yard field goal. Hauschka on the other hand showed last year that he can kick the long ball and seems to have improved his accuracy in the offseason. Nothing is set in stone, but as of today he seems to have the lead...

Heated battle at Kicker for Ravens

"The Baltimore Ravens will have a kicker not named Matt Stover this season, the first time that's been the case since their move from Cleveland in 1996. According to the Baltimore Sun, it's still a dead heat between Steven Hauschka and Graham Gano.

Hauschka, the Ravens' kickoff and long-range specialist last season, spent just one season kicking at N.C. State as a grad student following his time at Middlebury College. Gano has quite a different pedigree, earning the Lou Groza award -- given to college football's top placekicker -- for his efforts at Florida State. Both men have been above 80 percent on their field goals so far, but if neither impresses the team enough, the Ravens have not ruled out a return for Stover (ESPN)."

Sorry, I have to give some props for Needham. Hauschka is from my hometown, and I know a lot of kids pulling for him (as am I). It sounds like this is going to be a real close battle. I know Hauschka can kick the ball far, but I don't know about his accuracy. He will have to prove himself, but just wanted to give a shout out for the kid making it this far....