Michael Badgley deserves more credit for Los Angeles Chargers’ success

Since Anthony Lynn took over as the team’s head coach, they have gone through seven kickers. The kicking carousel in 2017 cost the Chargers a few games.

Michael Badgley is the reason that there’s no need anymore to look for a long-term kicker.

Badgley took over full time for the struggling Caleb Sturgis in Week . He kicked in two games in October when Sturgis was injured. Because of injuries and inconsistency, they made the decision that helped them to a 12-4 record and a trip to the playoffs since 2013.

The former Miami product enjoyed a season full of success, but it isn’t mentioned as much as the other skill players.

He finished the regular season by going 15 for 16 on his field goals and 27 of 28 on his extra points, one of which was a game winner against the Steelers. Another notable field goal he made was good from 59 yards against the Bengals.

That field goal marked the longest in franchise history. Nate Kaeding had held it prior to him, which was a 57 yarder against the Buccaneers on Dec. 21, 2008.

You can make the argument that if they would’ve stuck with Sturgis, the outcome of games remaining with him as the team’s kicker could’ve resulted in losses. This season may have ended up as one where they went 9-7, and fell a game short from the playoffs once again.

He has given the Chargers stability at the position and a player that’s the answer to a lot of their previous woes. So when we look back on the 2018 campaign, don’t forget to mention Badgley’s name.