Vikings GM on Walsh: 'There is no question that he is our kicker'
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Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh is in the worst slump of his still-young career.
After struggling throughout the preseason, Walsh has already missed two of his eight field goal attempts this season (one from 38 yards out, another from 44). The fourth-year pro also missed an extra-point attempt in Week 2.
But the struggling kicker got a much-needed vote of confidence from Vikings general manager Rick Spielman this week.
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"I think there is no question that he is our kicker," Spielman said of Walsh, per Marino Eccher of the Pioneer Press.
Walsh made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2012, after he went 10-for-10 from 50-plus yards out (long of 56). Although his performance since hasn't been as spectacular, the Vikings certainly had that first season in mind when they signed him to a four-year, $14 million contract extension this summer.
Spielman was asked whether he believes Walsh's problem is mental or physical.
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"I have my thoughts," he said, via the Pioneer Press, "but I'd rather have Blair and the coaches share that."
If Walsh's issue is, in fact, a mental one, perhaps Spielman's words of encouragement will help improve his play.
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