Patriots Kicker Stephen Gostkowski On Struggles: 'I Stink Right Now'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Stephen Gostkowski has been one of the better kickers in the NFL for over a decade, but there's no doubt he's struggling to start the 2016 season.
For the second straight week, Gostkowski usually-reliable right leg missed an extra point in New England's 27-16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. That brings his miss total up to five for the season (two extra points, three field goals), and after the win, Gostkowski didn't mince words about his struggles.
"I stink right now, that's just the bottom line," he said. "I have to figure out how to get better... I'll hold my head high, keep working hard and keep doing the best I can as long as they keep giving me opportunities."
The 11-year veteran said it's not a confidence issue, and he'll continue to work on his mechanics to try and fix what isn't right.
"I'm not scared to screw up," he said. "It's just kind of piling on right now, and in my position you only get so many opportunities. That's part of it mentally, taking advantage of the opportunities you get.
"Mechanically, I need to be better. I'm just not playing good enough for this team right now," he added. "Luckily, the team keeps picking me up, I guess."
Head coach Bill Belichick offered a shot of confidence in his kicker after Sunday's win.
"Nobody works harder than Steve does. He is a very talented player. He is mentally tough. We'll work through it," said Belichick.
Gostkowski did not attempt a field goal on Sunday, and is 9-for-12 on the season after missing three kicks all of last season. He hadn't missed an extra point since his rookie year until missing one in last season's AFC Championship Game in Denver.
