Breathe easily fans, the Browns have a kicker

This is a story, in large part, about breath.

When the Browns try a field goal now, no one holds their breath or tries to catch their breath.

Instead, they breathe easily.

That’s because of the presence of kicker Dustin Hopkins. Acquured in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers several weeks ago, at the end of the preseason after the club waived the constantly-struggling Cade York, he has done a great job through the first three games. Yes, three games do not a season make, but the Browns have gotten through the first month of the season with no big kicking gaffes. That almost certainly would not have occurred if York were still here.

Hopkins is a veteran who has been there, done that. He arrived and, with cool and calm, has performed well. Because of the winds coming in off Lake Erie that swirl in all different directions, often at the same time, Cleveland has always been the toughest place in the NFL in which to kick. It has brought many a visiting kicker — and a few home ones as well — to their knees.

We’ll keep our eye on Hopkins as the season goes on, because with the incredible balance in the AFC North, this is a division race that might well be decided by kickers. And now the Browns can legitimately compete in that realm.

As a side note that should really be a big note, I don’t think the Browns should ever use another draft pick to take a kicker, as they did with York in 2022. Cleveland Browns Stadium is just too tough for rookies. They need to go find their guy — a veteran — via a trade, or in free agency, from the street or otherwise.

By Steve King