Colts get the last laugh as a highly criticized move looks like a major success for the team after Week 15
Many doubted the Colts’ signing of Blake Grupe, but the kicker has certainly proven the team right over the last two games.
The Indianapolis Colts have had three kickers this season, which no one ever wants. They saw Spencer Shrader having a breakout season before a brutal leg injury ended his year. They then turned to the familiar face of Michael Badgley, who ultimately lost his job after seven games due to struggles with extra points.
They then signed former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe. On paper, this move looked pretty puzzling. Grupe had struggled tremendously this season with the Saints, making only 18 of his 26 field goal attempts. The team felt that he was an upgrade to Badgley, and the move was met with considerable criticism from the media and fans. I’d say Grupe’s outstanding performance in Week 15 gives the team the last laugh on that topic.
Blake Grupe proves the Colts were right to sign him with a big Week 15 performance
Grupe attempted three kicks today, all of which were absolute must-haves for the Colts. He connected on all three, including two beyond 50. He set his new career high with a 60-yarder, which gave the team the lead with less than a minute left in regulation. Sadly, they wouldn’t hold on to the lead and ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks, but Grupe certainly pulled his weight.
Grupe is now a perfect five for five on field goals and two for two on extra points for the Colts. The team’s offense appears to be limited with Philip Rivers under center and will likely need Grupe to continue this success to have a chance in games down the stretch.
It may not result in wins, given the Colts’ injuries on both sides of the ball, but their decision to sign Grupe has proven correct.
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