Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Why NFL kickers are so automatic right now? Chances are if you’re a bettor, you’re putting your money on NFL kickers right now. Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, kickers have made 90% of attempts from 50 yards or more. She asked around the league and most people say when it comes to kicking outdoors, it’s because weather conditions have been good, playing surfaces are best during this time of year. Fair enough. But she reports one coach told her increased specialization in kicking this day in age is also a factor. “There are more specialist coaches. There is more exposure to kicking as a specialized skill. Guys are actually growing up aspiring to be kickers, compared to how it used to be when guys kicked and played another position,” she quotes the coach. Russini also reports another head coach says since the rule changes in recent years, blocking kicks has become increasingly difficult. “You can’t cover the center, you can’t jump and land over the line of scrimmage, and you can’t push interior lineman … blocking kicks is almost a non-factor,” she says the coach told her. Although his longest field goal attempt was 35 yards, Lions kicker Jake Bates is at a 100% success rate right now — making all five field goals and three of three extra points. Check out The Athletic’s full article on the matter here. Did you know that NFL kickers have made 35 of 39 field goal attempts from 50+ yards through two weeks?Ka’imi Fairbairn (6) and Chris Boswell (4) are the only kickers in NFL history to make 4+ field goals of 50+ yards through two weeks of a season. pic.twitter.com/LnOM4xfVB4— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 19, 2024 Absolutely wild: #NFL kickers are currently 35/37 on 50+ yard field goals this season…The only two missed attempts have BOTH come from #Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. pic.twitter.com/6zaLTCJcWs— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 17, 2024 Oh? Interesting. I’d never root for someone to perform poorly (well, I wouldn’t put it in writing) but the field goal against the Lions where he secured the league record for longest kick still lives rent free in my head. One more thing for you—CBS Sports’ John Breech dives a bit further into the subject in the article below: NFL kickers are off to a historical start this year: • For first time ever, there have been more field goals than touchdowns through 2 weeks• Highest accuracy rate ever from beyond 50 (89.7%)• Most field goals ever in a single week (73 in Week 2)https://t.co/SmqV5BxWpt— John Breech (@johnbreech) September 17, 2024 And onto the rest of your notes. The Lions are hosting a watch party for the game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 13. It’s open to all fans: Cheer on the #Lions as we hit the road!Join us for a watch party at @FordField as the Lions face the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday, October 13! This event will be open to all fans.More event and ticket purchase information at the link!— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 17, 2024 Check out the newest episode of “Milk and Cookies” with Kerby Joseph and Terrion Arnold: Cookies + comedy@jkerb25 x @arnoldterrion pic.twitter.com/S9LXFp5lkA— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 19, 2024 An update on the Lions tailgate shooting at Eastern Market: Palmer's family is dealing with heartbreak and devastation - for a second time - after learning the man who fired a single bullet that killed him and another man will not face criminal charges. https://t.co/lZUwlpN1TV— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) September 19, 2024 HBD! Happy birthday @RealBillySims! pic.twitter.com/Wy8HIONRzW— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 18, 2024 An interesting trend has developed in the NFL through the past two weeks. Just a little something to keep your eye on: 300+ Yard Passing Games through Week 2 in recent seasons 2024: 52023: 132022: 132021: 212020: 162019: 202018: 192017: 132016: 202015: 13 https://t.co/3MYFfixk5L pic.twitter.com/mSsuEZv8aU— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 18, 2024