Rodrigo Blankenship Deserves Another Shot in the NFL: A Strong Case for the Talented Kicker’s Return to the League.
In the fast-paced world of the National Football League, where every player is only a mistake away from being replaced, it’s easy for talented individuals to fall through the cracks. One such individual is Rodrigo Blankenship, a placekicker whose journey to the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. After a standout career at the University of Georgia and a promising start to his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, Blankenship’s time in the league has been marked by ups and downs. However, despite his early struggles, it is clear that Blankenship has the talent, work ethic, and potential to once again make an impact at the highest level of football.
This article aims to make the case for why Rodrigo Blankenship deserves another shot in the NFL, analyzing his past achievements, his unique skill set, and the circumstances that led to his fall from grace. More importantly, it will highlight why he still has the tools to be an effective kicker and a valuable asset for any NFL team willing to take a chance on him.
A Strong Start to His Career
Rodrigo Blankenship’s rise to prominence began at the University of Georgia, where he quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top kickers. His journey to college football glory was not a typical one. Blankenship, who grew up in the state of Georgia, was a walk-on at the University of Georgia and had to earn his place on the team. Yet, he not only earned a scholarship but also became one of the most dependable kickers in college football.
During his time at Georgia, Blankenship was known for his accuracy and consistency. In his senior season, he became one of the best kickers in the country, converting 20 of 23 field goal attempts, including a career-long 55-yarder. He also became the first kicker in SEC history to make over 100 career extra points without missing a single attempt. His performances earned him numerous accolades, including first-team All-SEC honors and a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top placekicker.
Blankenship’s success at Georgia caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in 2020, he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. Despite his unheralded status, Blankenship quickly made an impact, securing the starting kicker role during his rookie season. His calm demeanor, reliable leg, and ability to handle pressure made him a standout in a position often overlooked by many fans.
Early NFL Success
In his rookie season with the Colts, Rodrigo Blankenship proved that he belonged in the NFL. He finished the 2020 season with an impressive 86.5% field goal conversion rate, making 32 of 37 attempts. His consistency and reliability were evident, especially on clutch kicks. He converted 8 of 10 attempts from 40 yards or more, including a key 43-yard game-winning field goal in a Week 3 victory over the New York Jets. Blankenship also demonstrated his proficiency on extra points, making all 45 of his attempts.
The 2020 season showed that Blankenship had the potential to become a staple of the Colts’ special teams unit for years to come. His ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations, combined with his leg strength and accuracy, made him one of the most promising young kickers in the NFL. For the Colts, Blankenship seemed to be a rare find—an undrafted kicker who quickly became a reliable and trustworthy option on special teams.
Unfortunately, like many NFL players, Blankenship’s journey was not without challenges.
The Injury and Struggles
After a strong rookie season, Rodrigo Blankenship’s 2021 season began to unravel. He entered the year as the Colts’ starting kicker, but injuries and struggles with consistency led to a sharp decline in performance. The most significant blow came in Week 3, when Blankenship sustained a hip injury during a game against the Tennessee Titans. While the injury itself was not overly serious, it ultimately affected his mechanics and accuracy. Over the next few weeks, Blankenship’s performance began to slip.
Blankenship missed multiple field goals and extra points, and his struggles continued as the season went on. In Week 6, he missed an extra point and a crucial 42-yard field goal attempt in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. His performance issues led to mounting questions about his ability to handle the pressure of the NFL and the expectations that come with being a starting kicker.
As the 2021 season progressed, it became clear that Blankenship’s confidence was shaken. He was ultimately placed on injured reserve and missed several games, which gave the Colts an opportunity to evaluate other options at the kicker position. In Blankenship’s absence, the Colts signed Eddy Pineiro, who stepped in and showed a level of consistency that was lacking in Blankenship’s game. Despite his potential, Blankenship’s struggles with injuries and inconsistent performance led to the Colts’ decision to part ways with him in 2022.
A Second Chance in the NFL
Despite his challenges in Indianapolis, Rodrigo Blankenship’s talent has not gone unnoticed. While his brief tenure with the Colts may have ended on a sour note, the fact remains that Blankenship has proven himself as an NFL-caliber kicker. His rookie season alone demonstrated that he possesses the necessary skills to succeed at the highest level. While injuries and inconsistency affected his later seasons, Blankenship’s overall body of work suggests that he deserves another shot in the NFL.
One of the key reasons why Blankenship deserves another chance is his mental toughness. Kicking in the NFL is one of the most pressure-packed jobs in sports, and Blankenship has already shown that he has the ability to handle the spotlight. His calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to come through in clutch moments set him apart from many other kickers. Even when faced with setbacks, he has remained dedicated to improving and has continued to train and refine his craft.
Another factor in Blankenship’s favor is his physical talent. Blankenship has a powerful leg and the ability to make kicks from long distances. His accuracy, while inconsistent in 2021, is a result of injury, not a lack of talent. With the right team, coaching, and support system, there is no reason why Blankenship cannot return to his rookie form and become a dependable kicker once again.
Why He Deserves Another Shot
There are several compelling reasons why Rodrigo Blankenship deserves another shot in the NFL:
- Proven Talent: Blankenship has already demonstrated that he has the talent to perform at a high level. His successful rookie season with the Colts, where he made 86.5% of his field goal attempts, showed that he can be relied upon in big moments.
- Consistency and Leg Strength: Blankenship’s ability to make long-range field goals and his consistent kicking in his first season prove that he has the necessary skill set to succeed at the NFL level. Despite a rough 2021 season, his physical tools remain intact.
- Mental Toughness: Kicking in the NFL requires a unique mental toughness, and Blankenship has shown he has the fortitude to handle the pressure. His ability to recover from setbacks and stay focused is a valuable asset for any team in need of a kicker.
- Room for Growth: Blankenship is still relatively young and has the opportunity to grow and develop further. A fresh start with the right team and coaching staff could allow him to regain his confidence and return to his former self.
- A Reliable Option for Teams in Need: Several NFL teams could benefit from having a kicker of Blankenship’s caliber on their roster. Whether as a starting kicker or a reliable backup, his experience and proven abilities make him a valuable asset.
The Next Steps for Blankenship
As Rodrigo Blankenship continues to pursue his NFL dreams, the next step in his journey will depend on his ability to find the right opportunity. Teams that are in need of a kicker, whether due to injury, inconsistency, or a lack of experience, should seriously consider bringing in Blankenship. He is a talented and driven player who has the potential to contribute immediately. Whether he joins a team as a backup or a starter, Blankenship’s skill set and potential make him a valuable addition to any NFL roster.
In conclusion, Rodrigo Blankenship deserves another shot in the NFL. Despite the challenges he faced during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, his talent, work ethic, and mental toughness are undeniable. His rookie season demonstrated that he has the skills to be a dependable and effective kicker in the league. With the right opportunity, Blankenship has the potential to bounce back and prove that his earlier struggles were only a temporary setback.
As the NFL continues to evolve, teams will need reliable and consistent kickers to help them succeed. Rodrigo Blankenship has shown that he can be that player, and he should be given another chance to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage.
